Healthy eating project hopes to go down a treat

By RENEE KIRIONA

Mangere has launched an initiative to hook residents of the south Auckland suburb on healthy eating habits.

The Mangere Healthy Kai programme went down like a treat, despite there being no taste tests on offer, when it was unveiled yesterday.

Auckland Regional Public Health spokesperson Chris Cook said the programme provided food retailers - that complied with requirements - with a hook logo to highlight the fact they had healthy options on the menu.

So far 12 retailers selling ready-to-eat food were displaying the hook and others could join if they amended their range to meet the criteria of 6 per cent fat per serve.

Manukau Mayor Sir Barry Curtis said the programme was a step towards improving the health of Mangere residents, cited as having one of the worst nutrition profiles in the country.

"When people are struggling to feed their families and living in crowded conditions, they do not always pay attention to correct nutrition," he said.

However, Sir Barry warned that other lifestyle changes had to occur before health in the area could be turned around.

"I encourage everyone to look for the hook in the hope they start choosing healthier foods and meals," he said.

Mangere resident Manapori Tapa said the logo would prompt him to think twice about where to shop.

"I try to buy healthy food and the logo will make it so much easier," he said.

By the gram

Fat content of some of Mangere's most popular foods

Fried bread 10g (with butter 13g of fat per serve)

Boil up (with brisket 48g, with pork bones 13g)

Raw fish with coconut cream 11g

Rewana 10g (with butter 0.5g)

Boiled taro 0.3g (with coconut cream 30g)

Corned beef 995g (reduced corned beef 42g)

(Source: Auckland Regional Public Health)