Local residents can take part in free supermarket tours and cooking groups, led by dietitians, to gain practical advice on how to understand and compare food labels and identify healthier eating options.
The 90-minute guided tours are held across Caroline Springs, Melton and Bacchus Marsh.
The initiative has been set up by Western Health’s Melton Community Services (MCS).
Western Health said the initiative will give people the tools and confidence to make healthier choices every day, and provide valuable hands-on learning directly in the environment where food choices are made.
Western Health dietitians at MCS offered tips for making healthier food choices at the supermarket, including selecting products with less than 400 milligrams per 100 grams of sodium, choosing yoghurts with less than 15 grams of sugar per 100 grams, and aiming for muesli bar products that have less than three grams of saturated fat per 100 grams.
MCS dietitians also lead small cooking groups of up to eight participants.
Each two-hour session includes preparing a nutritious meal as a group in the MCS kitchen, learning about a specific nutrition topic, and sharing the meal together or taking it home in provided containers.
Western Health said the sessions are a supportive and social environment.
To go on the waitlist or for more details, call 8746 1100 or email BMM-communitydietetics@wh.org.au with your name and phone number.
