Thriving Communities

Ballarat Community Health and the City of Ballarat have teamed up to launch the Eat Well Feel Good campaign at the Ballarat Aquatic and Lifestyle Centre (BALC), making it easier for visitors to choose healthier food and drinks.

With over 60,000 visits each month, BALC is a busy community hub — and the Afloat Café plays a big role in helping people refuel with nutritious options.

A recent survey showed strong interest in healthier menu choices. People asked for; more fruit and fresh salads, healthier sandwich and wrap fillings, yoghurt and granola options and fewer fried foods, sugary drinks, and confectionery.

Based on this feedback, the café is making some great updates with support from Ballarat Community Health and the City of Ballarat; healthier drinks now fill the fridge, confectionery has been moved and reduced, popcorn is promoted over chips, a “green zone” in the display cabinet highlights nutritious options and new menu items include healthier meals, snacks, and a kids’ meal deal.

The campaign is being promoted throughout BALC with; posters and digital screens, colouring competitions for kids, nudge cards at the counter, shelf labels to highlight healthy choices and email updates for members.

It’s working! Early feedback shows the new healthy options are popular and selling well — a great sign that the community is on board.