Australian governments are spending $2.13bn every year feeding people in hospitals, aged care facilities and other public settings — money that, according to a new report, is being used in ways that are undermining health.
The figure, equating to $6m a day, is described as one of the strongest policy levers available to improve national health outcomes. But the report says the focus has been “near-exclusive” on cost and scale, rather than outcomes, and that the system is dominated by large suppliers and multinationals. There are limited pathways for small, medium, local and First Nations producers to participate, even though they could potentially supply more suitable food.
The release comes with a warning tone about the wider pressure on Australia’s food system and supply chains. The authors point to risks of breakdown due to the fuel crisis triggered by the war in Iran, including for food supplied to public institutions such as hospitals and aged care centres. Leah Galvin, co-lead of GFPA and report co-author, argues a “different approach can increase the use of fresh, local produce, redirect spending to Australian farmers and producers, support the people working in public food service kitchens, and generate real benefits for Australia.”
There’s also a specific critique of how meals are made. Without a national framework of standards to shape better outcomes from public food spending, the authors say Australia is falling behind comparable countries such as the UK, EU and parts of the US. Misryoum newsroom reported that when hospital food around the world was examined, Australia’s meals “pal[ed] in comparison” with more wholesome options overseas. And in their account, a big part of the problem is not using fresh food — instead, food preparation services are contracted out to private companies that produce meals in bulk and deliver them frozen. (You can almost picture the steam not quite landing on the plate the way it should.)
While all that unfolds on the health policy front, another story is moving through South Australia. Suspected crocodile remains have been found dumped on the side of the road in Adelaide.
A spokesperson for the state’s environment and water department confirmed in a statement that department staff had “collected the remains of a reptile at Waterloo Corner.” The remains, believed to be from a crocodile, were found at Coleman Road and will be analysed to confirm the species and any other information. It’s not currently known how the remains came to be located at the site.
The department asked anyone with information to visit the Call it Out wildlife crime portal, or contact CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000. In the hospital food report, meanwhile, Deepa Jeyapalan, also a co-lead of GFPA and report co-author, said: “Better public food procurement is not about spending more, it’s about spending smarter. The evidence is clear, public support is strong, and the solutions exist. Given the threat to our food system caused by the global fuel and fertiliser crisis, now is the moment for leadership.” Actually… leadership might mean different things to different ministers, but the report keeps pushing toward procurement that shifts away from multinational corporations and toward healthier, more local food systems.
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