“This particular idea came from the plates that are created from kinder kids’ drawings. 
“We used the Healthy Eating Guide in a plate format so people could get an idea of the quantities and type of food to eat to address their dietary requirements.
“We made it pictorial as often our clients’ literacy levels are low, in both English and Karen.”
Karen Refugee Project Worker Po Tu Tu designed the plate, with input from the wider Cultural Diversity team around highlighting foods that Karen people relate to, and presenting the plate in a way that’s easy to understand.
Po Tu Tu said his clients are very impressed – to a point that some need encouragement to use the plate, and not just keep it for good!
He said they overwhelmingly comment on how easy the plate is to understand, and how it’s taking the guess work out of preparing healthy meals.
The plate is being distributed at community events and education sessions, such as Healthy Lunchbox sessions for Karen parents to learn how to pack a great school lunch for their children.
BCHS’ initiatives to promote healthy eating for people of refugee background include a partnership with Foodshare Bendigo around how to grow backyard vegetables in the Bendigo climate.
