Working with food outlets

For retail outlets, the Healthy Choices guidelines recommend that:

• at least 50% of the foods and drinks provided are from the GREEN (best choices) category
• GREEN choices are always available and promoted and are displayed prominently
• no more than 20% of the foods and drinks provided are from the RED (limit) category
• RED choices are not promoted or displayed prominently.
• RED choices (like sugary drinks, confectionery or deep fried foods) should not be supersized, and should not be included in specials like meal deals or ‘two for one’ offers.

Many types of retail outlets provide meals, snacks and drinks for an organisation, so the first thing you need to do is think about the type of outlet you will be working with, for example:

• canteens
• kiosks
• cafes
• cafeterias
• food trucks
• coffee shops or coffee carts

Some retail outlets stock mostly packaged products (e.g. kiosk) and some make most of their foods and drinks on-site (e.g. café).

Having a good understanding of the type of outlet you are working with, and the way the outlet operates, will help you work with the outlet to make healthy changes.

If your organisation holds a contract with a retail outlet you will need to understand the conditions of the contract and work together with the retailer to make any healthy changes needed.

You will need to find out:

• who manages the outlet
• the terms of the contract
• whether the contract includes requirements for providing healthy foods and drinks
• when the contract expires

Having this information will help you negotiate with the retailer and will help you work out whether you can switch to a new retail provider if needed.

Even if a retail outlet is located off-site (i.e. outside your organisation), and there is no formal contract in place, you can still encourage the outlet to implement the Healthy Choices guidelines.

You can:

• discuss the benefits of providing healthy foods and drinks – for the outlet and for customers
• present case studies of other businesses who have successfully made healthy changes
• survey staff and visitors about healthy foods and drinks they would like to purchase from the outlet
• encourage staff and visitors to ask for healthier options from the outlet.

You can find out how the food and drinks offered in a retail food outlet are classified under the Healthy Choices guidelines, with a free online menu assessment.

To plan a healthy menu for each day of the week, first classify your food and drink items online using FoodChecker. Then use our rotational menu planner (Excel spreadsheet) to ensure you provide the correct percentage of GREEN, AMBER and RED foods and drinks on the menu each day.

Simply add each item and its classification to the planner, then plan each day’s menu in line with the Healthy Choices guidelines.

Retail outlets looking for healthy meal, snack and drink ideas can be referred to:

• Healthy choices: food and drink classification guide

If you are making changes towards meeting the Healthy Choices guidelines, you might be eligible to display the Healthy Choices signage. Contact us to find out more.