We know that an adequate diet of fruit and vegetables plays a key role in disease prevention, and combined with sufficient physical activity, has an important role to play in combating the rising tide of obesity. And yet, currently less than one in ten adults in Victoria meets the recommended daily intake of vegetables.
The Victorian Health Promotion Foundation (VicHealth) today announced funding for research into Victoria’s food supply, as part of a package of new research projects to tackle some of the key health issues facing the state.
“These research grants focus on the big drivers of poor health including alcohol, physical inactivity, discrimination, violence, health inequalities, social disconnection, and inadequate diet,” said Todd Harper, the Chief Executive Officer of VicHealth.
“Healthy food is fundamental to a healthy life - that’s why we’re so keen to examine our food supplies so we can contribute to ensuring sustainable healthy eating in the future.
“One of the projects we are funding this year is focussing on access to an affordable and quality food supply, and will measure the economic, health, social and environmental impacts of a local food supply through a series of Victorian Case studies.
“Another research project we’re funding aims to improve understanding of the risks and vulnerabilities in Victoria’s food supplies,” Mr Harper added.
VicHealth’s one year research grant program launched today by the Minister for Health, the Honorable Daniel Andrews, is designed to explore novel research that has the potential for improving population health in Victoria.
“We are funding 14 public health research grants this year totalling $1.4 million, which have been awarded to foster the work of Victorian-based researchers,” Mr Harper said.
“If we are to effectively combat the rising tide of chronic disease in Australia, we have to invest in research which will guide our evidence-based programs to promote health and prevent illness,” Mr Harper added.
“Investigator-initiated research like this research grant program provides an excellent opportunity to test out new ideas, develop creative questions and explore previously untested approaches.
“The high quality evidence that will flow from this research will help Victorians make better choices for the care of themselves and their families.
“Effective health promotion programs which are based on rigorous research, results in large cost savings in the health system as well as improved productivity and increased workforce participation.
“We are currently spending less than two percent of our national health budget on prevention. With the National Preventative Health Taskforce report due for release this month, it is important to identify the strategies that are most effective in promoting health, and preventing disease - that is role of these investments,” Mr Harper added.
VicHealth Research Project Grants announced today include:
Addressing healthy eating
- The Impacts of a Localised Food Supply: What is the Evidence?
Trevor Budge, La Trobe University
- Victorian Food Supply Scenarios: Impacts on the availability of healthy nutritious and sustainable diets
Prof. Chris Ryan, Melbourne University
- Food security research intervention with an urbanised Victorian Aboriginal community
Karen Adams, Melbourne University
Addressing alcohol harm reduction
- Exploring alcohol use in pregnancy: what questions should we be asking?
Assoc. Prof. Jane Halliday, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute
- The growth of alcohol outlets in Victoria 1991-2007: socio-economic and demographic drivers
Mr Michael Livingston, Turning Point Alcohol and Drug Centre
- Drinking cultures and social occasions: Alcohol harms in the context of major public holidays, sporting and cultural events
Ms Belinda Lloyd, Turning Point Alcohol and Drug Centre
Addressing race-based discrimination
- Understanding the impact of racism on Indigenous child health
Dr Yin Paradies, Melbourne University
Addressing health inequalities
- The Kids in Communities Study: measuring community level factors influencing children’s development
Dr Sharon Goldfield, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute
- Homelessness to Health
Dr Andrew Hollows, Hanover Welfare
Addressing physical activity
- Enhancing participation sport and physical activity by first generation migrant communities at a high risk of cardiovascular disease
Prof. Warren Payne, Ballarat University
- Social, economic and environmental barriers and facilitators to participation in community sport and physical: Children with Disabilities
Dr Nora Shields, La Trobe University
Addressing social connection and information technology
- Community Connections: How can technology promote community social inclusion?
Dr Lisa Gibbs, Melbourne University
- Connected Lives: Virtual worlds and the Internet, and their role in enhancing the social connectedness of isolated young people with Asperger’s Syndrome and high-functioning Autism
Stefan Schutt, Victoria University
Addressing violence against women