THE vast number of food choices in supermarkets can be a daunting experience for shoppers looking for nutritious and cheap meals.
However, that task was made easier for a group of people taking part in a Foodbank WA program at the Woolworths store at Belmont Forum last week.
Foodbank WA’s Healthy Food for All manager Rex Milligan said supermarkets can be overwhelming with the food choices available and the numerous health claims made by food manufacturers.
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READ NOW“Our supermarket tour is a practical, hands-on session allowing participants to use the knowledge and skills they have learnt and apply it in a real environment,” he said.
“Participants gain confidence in selecting and purchasing nutritious foods while saving money.”
Foodbank WA public health nutritionists Michelle McIntosh and Kim Dutkowski guided participants through the food choices available at the supermarket.
“Participants learn about healthy eating using the Australian Dietary Guidelines, how to read labels to compare products, how to shop on a budget and plan and cook easy and nutritious meals for themselves and their families,” Ms McIntosh said.
The store tour was part of a four-week free nutrition education and cooking program, Food Sensations for Adults.
It was co-ordinated by Foodbank under the Food Sensations program and the City of Belmont, enabling participants to learn budgeting, nutrition and lifestyle tips.
Belmont Mayor Phil Marks said the City was proud to provide the community with free and low cost lifestyle classes.