Media information
For immediate release

15 June 2009

Healthy Kai a simple choice in Paeroa

Making healthier food choices in Paeroa has just become a lot easier thanks to Hauraki Healthy Kai.

The Te Korowai Hauora O Hauraki project is making healthy food more accessible by identifying three "Healthy Kai" menu items at participating food outlets in the town and promoting them in-store.

Project coordinator Leanne Young is working closely with 11 local cafes, takeaway bars and convenience stores to identify their healthier options with less than 10 per cent fat content.

Ms Young said the type of food we eat has a major influence on our health so it is important that where possible, we choose the healthier options.

"These choices can be hard though, so we're making it easier for everyone.

"We're not encouraging people to eat out and it's ultimately up to them to decide what choices they make but Hauraki Healthy Kai will show them that when they are buying food, there are healthier options available, and exactly what they are," Ms Young said.

The project kicks off tomorrow (Tuesday) and John Tregidga, Hauraki District Council mayor, will present each retailer with a participation certificate.

Ms Young said retailers would display these certificates in their shop to show customers that they are involved in the project and that they have items available.

She said retailers and community leaders have been very supportive and keen to get involved.

The project is funded by Waikato DHB's Maori Community Action Obesity Projects fund, part of the Healthy Eating Healthy Action (HEHA) strategy.

HEHA project director Janet Hanvey said Hauraki Healthy Kai would have a positive impact on a high-priority area.

"Paeroa has a high population of Maori people, a target group for HEHA, and Hauraki Healthy Kai will help address chronic conditions in this area by providing better access to healthy food.

"It should also increase consumption of fruit and vegetables for the wider community," Ms Hanvey said.

The project is based on the successful South Auckland Healthy Kai project run in Mangere, Glen Innes, Otara and Glen Eden in 2007.

"We want to go a bit further in Paeroa though and will be looking at promoting healthier deep-frying training with the food outlets and also encouraging them to sell more fruit and vegetables.

"Currently there is only one outlet selling fruit on their counter so that is something we want to improve on," Ms Young said.

The project also builds on existing initiatives including "The Paeroa Way", also funded by HEHA, but run by 12 Paeroa schools aimed at improving the health and nutrition of their students through education and hands-on learning.

Hauraki Healthy Kai is working with the retailers that supply food to the 12 schools to provide them with a greater understanding of what food is healthy and what we should be encouraging our children to eat.

Hauraki Healthy Kai retailers and their health options:
1. Tui Coffee lounge - Chicken wholemeal sandwich, chicken wrap, baked beans on toast
2. Coachman's Café - Wholemeal roast beef roll, ham sandwich, potato-top mince pie
3. Courtyard Café - Roast vegetable salad, Vogel chicken sandwich, date scone
4. Jokers Café - Vegetarian burger, BLT sandwich, shrimp salad
5. Cosy Kitchen Café - Ham and tomato toasted sandwich, wholemeal chicken sandwich, chicken wrap
6. Kumars - Lamb biriyani, fish masala, chicken saagh
7. Paeroa Foodmart - Wholemeal bread, fresh fruit and vegetables, low fat milk
8. L&P Café - Kumara quiche, chicken wrap, vegetable stack
9. Paeroa Four Square - Wholemeal bread, fresh fruit and vegetables, low fat milk
10. Midway Burger Bar - Grilled fish, chicken fillet burger, ham cheese and pineapple toasted sandwich
11. Aquarius Restaurant & Takeaways - Roast beef meal, fresh fish and fresh mussels

Media are invited to attend the Hauraki Healthy Kai launch (tomorrow), please RSVP to Leanne on the contact details below.

ENDS

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