Peninsula Health Health Promotion Practitioner Tess Merchant has become a face for the Best Bites program. Photo: Supplied.
This blog was written by Tess Marchant and Taylah Steer, Health Promotion Practitioners at Peninsula Health.
What is the Best Bites program?
The Mornington Peninsula Shire’s Best Bites Food Guide highlights food businesses within the Mornington Peninsula area. To be eligible, food businesses must meet a 95% compliance for the Shire Food Safety Assessment.
The program involves a voluntary assessment of how well businesses are:
- Providing safe and healthy food
- Using environmentally sustainable business practices
- Providing accessible and inclusive premises
- Minimising harm associated with alcohol consumption and tobacco use
The five Best Bites categories are:
- Access and inclusion
- Healthy eating
- Tobacco and alcohol compliance
- Waste and recycling
- Energy and water efficiency
Businesses can choose to partake in as many or as few of these categories as they like.
Why should business’ be involved?
Peninsula Health Health Promotion Practitioner Tess says: “Being involved in Best Bites is a win for both the businesses and the community. Businesses can have their profile boosted in their community and can engage in healthier, sustainable practices. Community members can safely dine at businesses that they know care about community wellbeing.”
Reported benefits from businesses include:
- Additional business promotion and marketing
- Reduced overhead and operational costs due to improvements made
- Upskilling staff and improving professionalism
- Enhanced environmental and business sustainability
- Increase patronage and improved community wellbeing
What support is available?
Health Promotion Practitioner, Tess Marchant supports food businesses in the areas of healthy eating and tobacco compliance. Businesses are able to get support and resources on how to provide healthier food options and assistance in developing smoke free policies. Some tips Tess gives in the healthy eating category are to:
- Use reduced fat dairy, healthier oils and lean cuts of meat
- Add flavour without the salt, use spices, herbs or lemon instead
- Base your menu around fruits and vegetables
- Limit soft drinks and always have water available
Disclaimer: it is recommended that you consult with a medical professional/dietician before making any major changes to your diet. Information and contact details regarding Peninsula Health’s Nutrition and Dietetics services can be found via this link: https://www.peninsulahealth.org.au/services/services-a-e/allied-health/nutrition-and-dietetics/).
Best Bites informational videos will be available on the Mornington Peninsula Shire’s website. Further resources can be found below.
Resources:
Further Best Bites Information: https://www.mpbusiness.com.au/industry-programs/best-bites-program/
Best Bites Awards: https://www.mpbusiness.com.au/bestbites/best-bites-awards/
Best Bites Food Guide: https://www.mornpen.vic.gov.au/About-Us/Business-Economy/Business-programs/Best-Bites/Best-Bites-Food-Guide