National Nutrition Week

National Nutrition Week 12-18th October 2026

Bellarine Community Health is proud to support National Nutrition Week 2026 focusing on the challenges and opportunities to help create a connected and nourished communities.

Food nourishes more than our bodies. It connects us to family, community, culture, wellbeing and the places we live, learn and work.

This year’s campaign explores four themes across the week that celebrate the role food plays in bringing people together, while advocating for a fairer future where everyone can access nutritious, affordable and sustainable food.

Positive food experiences and messaging for children and young people – because food should feel safe, pressure-free, inclusive and enjoyable.
Food and nutrition security – because every child, family and community deserves fair access to nutritious, affordable, and culturally appropriate food.
Food, mood and mental wellbeing – because nutritious foods, cooking and shared meals can support connection, brain health, mood and emotional wellbeing.
Environmental sustainability and reducing food waste – because the way we choose, use and value food matters for people and the planet.

This National Nutrition Week, we’re recognising the important role community-based organisations like FARM MY SCHOOL play in supporting children, families and communities through building a regenerative food system that is inspiring education and engagement with the local community. Providing access to nutritious food options locally also means fewer food miles which directly impacts environmental sustainability. Choosing local means lowering emissions and fresher flavours.

This week is also about recognising how what we eat can influence how we feel, think and connect. There’s a strong relationship between food mood, mental health and emotional wellbeing.

At Bellarine Community Health our dedicated, qualified DIETETICS TEAM supports all age groups to understand their nutritional needs, have a healthy relationship with food and their bodies, and ways to maintain health through all stages of life.

So, let’s celebrate what we love about food from the people we share it with, to the cultures and traditions behind it, the places our food comes from and the ways food supports our wellbeing.

Here’s some great tips from our Dietetics team.

LOVE FOOD SHOPPING

Food shopping can feel like a chore but it’s the first step to nourishing your body.

Some tips to make it less stressful:

Make a shopping list and plan your meals and snacks for the week ahead. Could that list go on your phone and be updated during the week?
Shop on a full stomach. If you shop hungry you will likely purchase more food.
Everyday core foods are on the outer aisles: fruit and vegies, dairy, meat and alternatives, bread, frozen foods.
Budget hints: buy in bulk, check unit pricing (compare price per 100g), stick to your list, try Click and collect (helps you stick to your list and avoid in store distractions)

LOVE MEAL PREPPING

How much easier is it to eat healthier if you have already planned your meals and have variety of foods readily available.

The aim is to make healthy eating easier, more affordable and less stressful.

Start small and plan a few meals ahead
Chop vegies for the next day also
Cook double batches and freeze
Have staples available to build quick, nutritious meals i.e. eggs, frozen vegies, canned legumes, wraps, rice (pouches, microwave), coleslaw, tinned fish, pasta.
Roast a tray of mixed vegies that can be added to pasta, stews, frittatas, wraps
Boil eggs, cook chicken breasts to add to lunches and dinners

LOVE COOKING

Cooking is an act of care for yourself and those around you. Cooking is an adventure and way to be creative.

Try a new recipe this week.
Sit down with family or friends and enjoy the meal together.

LOVE HOW YOU EAT

A calm, enjoyable setting can support healthier eating patterns and encourage family connection.

Have you tried placing dishes in the centre of the table and let everyone serve themselves? This activity can support willingness to try new foods, encourage independence and build mindful eating habits.

Eating mindfully is about slowing down and appreciating foods that provides nourishment, satisfaction and enjoyment.

Eating mindfully has been linked to healthier eating behaviours, more positive relationship with food and better self-regulation with hunger and fullness.

LOVE YOUR PLATE

Eating well is about building meals that nourish your body and brain, give you energy and bring enjoyment to the table and your day.

A balanced plate means getting the variety of food that your body needs to give you the energy to do what you want to do during the day.

HINT: what matters is regular meals and variety of food over the day, week and month and not every single meal has to tick all the nutrition boxes.

Aim to include the Five food groups over the day:

Vegetables and legumes
Fruits
Grains (bread and cereals including quinoa, rice, pasta, dry biscuits)
Meat and alternatives (chicken, fish, egg, legumes, nuts, tofu)
Dairy (milk, yoghurt, cheese)

TIPS: if choosing plant-based alternatives to milk such as soy or almond milk choose calcium fortified options

Did you know that canned and frozen fruit and vegies are just as nutritious as fresh, and they’re a great way to reduce waste also?

What does a balanced plate look like for a main meal?

½ plate filled with vegies
¼ plate filled with wholegrains
¼ plate filled with meat or alternatives

LOVE YOUR SNACKS

Snacking (mostly when hungry) is a way to fuel your body; boost your energy and include food you enjoy.

TIP: prepare your snacks for the week ie portion nuts, cut vegies, boil some eggs, have fresh fruit available.

For a snack to fuel your body and mind throughout the day check if it contains carbohydrates, protein and healthy fats.

Examples: dried fruit + nuts, dry biscuits + avocado + cheese, toast with peanut butter + banana, yoghurt + chia seeds, frittata with roast vegies

For individual advice Please seek advice from an Accredited Practising Dietitian. Contact Bellarine Community Health to find out more on 1800 007 224

National Nutrition Week