Background:

Being older places people at higher risk of both social isolation and food insecurity. This risk is further increased in older persons in rural regions and those from a culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) background. This project aims to address both social isolation and food insecurity through the development and support of activities and initiatives that concurrently promote social inclusion and improve access, affordability and use of culturally acceptable healthy foods. 

Methods:

Using the Healthy Food Connect model and working in partnership with local government, a local food access needs assessment was undertaken using various methods including; The Victorian Local Government Association Food Security Scanning Tool, Healthy Food Basket Survey, Key stakeholder interviews, Food Outlet audit and geographic information system (GIS) mapping of food deserts and socio-economic indexes for areas (SEIFA) data.  

Results/Discussions:

 The process identified a priority target group and the formation of strong multi-sectoral partnerships. The priority population for future work was identified as people 65+ from a CALD background who are socially isolated.  The formation of positive multi-sectoral and interagency partnerships has led to opportunities for Alpine Health to work collaboratively with key stakeholders, including the priority population, to address needs.  This has resulted in new community driven initiatives in this region, such as Food Swap and a health champion’s model being undertaken.  It is integral to reducing inequity that the interventions chosen and undertaken are done in partnership with community members and are community-led to enable sustainability and ongoing capacity within the community.

Conclusions/implications:This work highlights the importance of partnerships in ensuring that health equity and a social determinants of health approach underpin all health promotion planning and delivery. In addition, it demonstrates that collaborative partnerships not only strengthen outputs of current work, but also identify and create opportunities and resources for future work.