Australian local government policies on creating a healthy, sustainable, and equitable food system: analysis in New South Wales and Victoria

Abstract

Objective: To analyse local government (LG) policies concerned with creating a healthy, sustainable and equitable food system.Methods: All relevant policies on LG websites were identified and analysed against a framework of 34 recommendations for LG action on food system issues.Results: A total of 13 of 207 (New South Wales 128, Victoria 79) LGs had dedicated food system policies. Most actions on food system issues were in general (non-food specific) policies. MostLGs acted on food safety, sustainable local food production, food waste, drinking water access and food system-related education. Few used economic measures to support the consumption of healthier foods, restricted unhealthy food advertising, developed and implemented dietary guidelines in LG-managed settings or influenced the opening of unhealthy/healthy retail food outlets. Conclusions:LGs undertook a range of actions relevant to creating a healthy, sustainable and equitable food system. Strategic opportunities for LGs include regulating the sale and marketing of unhealthy food and ensuring policy coherence. Implications for public health:LGs can be supported to act further on food system issues, including through 'joined-up' state and federal policies. Further research should address how relevant LG policies can be developed, implemented and monitored effectively to address the complex challenges created by contemporary food systems.

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“…LGs in Australia's two most populous states, NSW and Victoria (Carrad et al, 2022). This paper reports on complementary research that used an explanatory multiple-case study methodology (Eisenhardt & Graebner, 2007;Yin, 2009) to explore the experiences of six LGs in developing and implementing food system policies and related activities.…”

“…LGs are leveraging existing opportunities to address food system issues (Carrad et al, 2022). Research shows that a very high proportion of LGs in NSW and Victoria incorporate actions to prevent or minimize food waste into a range of (non-food-specific) policy documents (Carrad et al, 2022).…”

“…LGs are leveraging existing opportunities to address food system issues (Carrad et al, 2022). Research shows that a very high proportion of LGs in NSW and Victoria incorporate actions to prevent or minimize food waste into a range of (non-food-specific) policy documents (Carrad et al, 2022). In addition, they undertake a broad range of activities related to health and wellbeing, sustainable and local food production, economic development, food safety and hygiene, and affordable housing.…”

Local innovation in food system policies: A case study of six Australian local governments

“…LGs was compiled based on the prior policy analysis study (Carrad et al, 2022). Shortlisted LGs were those identified as highly engaged in food system activities, including those with a dedicated food system policy.…”

Interdisciplinary insights on the future of food systems research: perspectives from the next generation of research leaders

“…However, relatively little is known about how local governments and civil society organisations contribute to creating a healthy, sustainable, and equitable food system. The Strengthening Local Food Systems Governance project included a policy mapping study that audited food system-related policies developed by all local governments in the Australian states of New South Wales and Victoria (n=207) (14) . To expand on these findings, focus groups with six local governments identified common enablers of and barriers to development and implementation of these policies (e.g., funding, collaboration, legislative mandate).…”