Bendigo Community Health Services is excited to have launched an updated version of the Greater Bendigo Healthy Catering Guide, developed in collaboration with City of Greater Bendigo.
The guide has a fresh new look and features a host of local food businesses who offer healthy catering options – including lake precinct favourite Fox & Giraffe.
Health Promotion Officer Sebastian said the guide supports workplaces, community groups or anyone seeking healthier catering options to make an easy choice.
“Fox and Giraffe is a great example of a local business going the extra mile to offer healthy option,” he said.
“They’re also the first caterer to be included on the Healthy Eating Advisory Service Catering for Good directory within the Bendigo region.”
Sebastian said the local healthy catering guide can be found on the Resources & Publications page of the BCHS website.
About the Healthy Catering Guide
All menu items have been assessed through the Healthy Eating Advisory Services online ‘FoodChecker’ tool. Food and drinks meeting the GREEN and AMBER classifications have only been included in this guide to align with the Healthy choices: workplace healthy eating policy and catering guide.
The Healthy Choices Guidelines classify food and drinks into three categories according to their nutritional value.
GREEN category food and drinks are the healthiest choices. They are good sources of important nutrients and lower in fat, added sugar and salt. Examples include: water, breads and cereals, fruit and vegetables, reduced-fat dairy products, lean meat and poultry, fish, eggs, nuts and seeds.
AMBER category foods and drinks should be selected carefully and consumed in moderation. Although these items provide some valuable nutrients they can contribute to moderate amounts of fat, added sugar or salt. Examples include: regular fat milk, yoghurt and cheese, dried fruit and some fruit juices (at least 99 per cent real fruit juice).
RED category foods are low in nutrients and are high in sugar, fat or salt and should be eaten rarely and in very small serves. Red category foods and drinks should be avoided in catering. Examples include: deep fried foods, lollies, chocolates, cakes, processed meats e.g. salami, kabana, chips, pastries and soft drinks.
How to use:
Use this resource to guide your catering choices, to ensure you are providing healthy options at meetings, events and functions.
Find the guide:
Download the guide for your workplace here Greater Bendigo’s Healthy Catering Guide
Story published November 2025
