Nutrition and physical activity
Nutrition and Physical Activity Unit in collaboration with key stakeholders is responsible for developing and evaluating NT food, nutrition and physical activity policies, strategies and resources to improve the health and wellbeing of all Territorians.
Implementation and evaluation of the policies and strategies are shared between the strategy unit team based in the Department of Health, and the Primary Health Care (PHC) teams in the Central Australia and Top End Health services and other stakeholders.
Strategy
The NT Health Nutrition and Physical Activity Strategy 2015 – 2020 provides an overview of the key health issues associated with poor nutrition and physical inactivity throughout life.
The strategy brings together the available evidence of effective interventions and suggests a range of strategic actions relevant to the NT.
In practice, this strategy can be used as a guide and practical tool for planning and evaluation programs relating to nutrition and physical activity. It complements the Northern Territory Chronic Conditions Prevention and Management Strategy 2010-2020.
Read the NT Health Nutrition and Physical Activity Strategy 2015–2020.
Policy
The Department of Health has the following nutrition policy.
Healthy choices made easy
The Healthy Choices Made Easy policy regulates all aspects of food and drink provision on NT Health premises to make sure healthy options are always available.
Foods and drinks are grouped into three categories based on their nutritional value.
Green
Green category foods and drinks are excellent sources of important nutrients and are low in saturated fat, sugar and salt. These foods should always be available and actively promoted.
Amber
Amber category foods are mainly processed ones and have moderate amounts of saturated fat and sugar or salt. They should not dominate the menu and large serve sizes should be avoided. They cannot be promoted.
Red
Red category foods and drinks are low in nutritional value and are restricted. They cannot be promoted or advertised. In kiosks, canteens, shops, mobile trolleys or vending machines they should be limited to 20% of all items available
Green and amber foods and drinks should make up at least 80% of all foods and drinks provided or available for sale. Aiming for 50% of green items is strongly encouraged.
Read the policy:
See Publications below for more information about food and drinks provision policy in NT Health facilities.
Publications
| Title / description | Location |
|---|---|
| Australian dietary guidelines | Go to the Australian Government’s Eat for Health website. |
| Australia’s physical activity and sedentary behaviour guidelines | Go to the Australian Government Department of Health website. |
Healthy Living for Children and Teenagers Above a Healthy Weight A child nutrition client education resource designed for use with children who are above a healthy weight (aged 5-18 years) and their families. | Healthy Living for Children and Teenagers Above a Healthy Weight |
Good Food for Strong Blood Designed for use with families with young children who have iron deficiency anaemia (weak blood) | |
Growing Healthy Kids Designed for use with families with young children who are growth faltering or are at risk of growth faltering | Growing Healthy Kids |
| NT Health Food and Drinks Provision Policy related documents. | Healthy choices made easy policy Frequently asked questions |
Nutrition Education Resource Manual The Nutrition Education Resource Manual (NERM) has been developed to support the introduction of nutrition education and healthy eating habits to primary aged students. It is a compilation of activities and resources that has been aligned to the Australian Curriculum for students from Transition to Year 6. | Nutrition Education Resource Manual |
Long Day Care Menu Planner (2016) This planning tool can assist long day care providers to review their menus and determine whether nutritional requirements of their children are being met. | Long day care menu planner |
Let’s Dig! A school garden resource (2013) This teachers’ resource offers ideas and activities to run four components of a School Garden unit of work. Suitable for Transition through to Year 6 students. | Let's Dig! A School Garden Resource |
Feeding Babies (2013) Resource for remote communities.This information is about feeding babies from birth to early childhood. | Feeding Babies |
Good Food for Diabetes (2010) Resource for remote communities. | Good Food for Diabetes |
Eat Better, Move More (2009) A resource kit for the promotion of nutrition and physical activity in remote communities. It is available to health staff and educators. | Contact the Nutrition and Physical Activity Program for more information. |
The Flour Drum Stove Cookbook (2009) This book shows how to make and cook on a flour-drum stove, and includes recipes suitable for families in remote areas. | The Flour Drum Stove Cookbook |
Market Basket Survey (annual) An annual survey monitoring food cost, availability, variety and quality in remote community stores. | Access Market Basket surveys through the digital library. |
| Remote Indigenous Stores and Takeaways (RIST) Resources to help establish and improve standards for healthy remote stores. | Remote Stores newsletter Go to the Australian Indigenous Health Infonet website. |
NT Hunting for Health Challenge lesson pack (2005) Lesson plans for primary school year levels, focusing on making healthy food choices and regular physical activity as ways of preventing lifestyle diseases later in life. | NT Hunting for Health challenge lesson pack |
Contact
Program leader
Nutrition and Physical Strategy Unit
Department of Health
4th Floor Darwin Plaza
Smith St Mall
Phone: (08) 8985 8017
Fax: (08) 8985 8177
PO Box 40596
Casuarina NT 0811
Last updated: 22 January 2020