CANCER support advocates for the region say local governments could play a stronger role in developing sustainable, accessible healthier food options.
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LiveLighter launched a new go-to guide for families to eat healthier on a budget in Ballarat on Thursday.
The program is funded by Cancer Council Victoria in a proactive health bid focusing on one key factor in preventable cancers: diet.
Grampians Integrated Cancer Service strategic director Jo Gell said such a resource, funded by Cancer Council Victoria, was great to support individuals and families wanting to make a difference but more could be done on a community level.
"Food access does become an issue the further out you live from Ballarat, in our smaller communities," Ms Gell said. "There is a role local governments can play in developing greater support, for example, food hubs or stalls and markets to make fresh fruit and vegetables more accessible."
Focusing on healthy eating and physical activity is much better than focusing on chemotherapy, radiation, surgery and the sometimes devastating effects these can have on individuals and families.
- Jo Gell, Grampians Integrated Cancer Service
Ms Gell said one-third of cancers were preventable and there was a proven link between cancer and diet.
LiveLighter campaign manager Alice Bastable said looking at cancer by proven top causes, diet, weight and a lack of physical exercise came after tobacco.
Ms Bastable launched the family meal planning resources Eat Smart and Shop Smart because this region had a high prevalence of obesity and overweight people compared to the state average, coupled with a concentrated low-socioeconomic demographic.
"There's a misconception it's too hard to eat a healthy diet on a budget but that's where these plans come in," Ms Bastable said. "Not only is this about the ability to access healthy food but, further long-term, this is about preventing chronic disease."
Ms Bastable said Ballarat Health Services' work on promoting healthy choices and Ballarat Community Health's attention to food insecurity across the region also made this city a great place to launch LiveLighter's new program.
Guides aim to help the average family make healthier, sustainable changes to main meals for less than $100 each week. Meals are designed to be easy to source fresh ingredients and easy to prepare in both skill level and time demands.
LiveLighter aims to promote weight management and reduce health risks like heart disease, type two diabetes and cancer.
READ MORE: Help to eat smarter, save money in Ballarat
LiveLighter's top tips to Eat Smart and Shop Smart
Buy in season
Eat a little less meat each week, sub in vegetarian meals a couple of times to save money
It is okay to use canned vegetable and fruit
Remember the cost of convenience when you can save money by making a meal yourself.
- Alice Bastable, LiveLighter campaign
For more tips and resources, visit livelighter.com.au.
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