New Healthy Ways campaign focuses on sugar reduction in remote First Nations communities

Not-for-profit remote store operator Community Enterprise Queensland (CEQ) and Health and Wellbeing Queensland are encouraging families in remote First Nations communities to rethink sugary foods and drinks as part of the latest Healthy Ways campaign focus – “Real food, real energy.”

Healthy Ways shines a light on a new health message every 8 weeks across CEQ’s network of remote stores in North Queensland, including Cape York Peninsula and the Torres Strait.

The theme of “Real food, real energy” celebrates everyday foods and drinks that help families feel fuller for longer and sustain steady energy throughout the day – supporting communities to learn, work and play.

Through healthy end displays and in-store prompts, families are encouraged to choose snack and drink options that fuel strong bodies and minds, without the energy spikes and crashes that come with high-sugar choices.

Alongside the positive Real food, real energy message, friendly reminders are placed throughout stores sharing the message “You’re sweet enough – choose healthy ways”, prompting families to consider practical, everyday swaps when they shop.

CEQ Chief Executive Officer Michael Dykes said the organisation’s stores played a critical role in supporting healthier choices for remote families.

“In remote communities, the local store is often the main place families shop for food. So, what’s on the shelves and how it’s presented really matters,” Mr Dykes said.

“We know families in our communities want to make healthy choices, and the Healthy Ways campaign gives them simple, practical messages in-store that support those choices every shop, every week.”

“It’s one of the most direct ways we can support the long-term health of the communities we serve.”

Sugar reduction a key public health priority

Sugar reduction is a key public health priority for remote and regional Queensland communities, where rates of diet-related chronic disease, including type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, remain disproportionately high.

Beyond the Healthy Ways campaign, CEQ has introduced a range of in-store sugar-reduction strategies. These include promoting healthier products over sugary drinks and snacks, relocating less healthy items away from high-traffic areas, and managing its product range to ensure healthier choices are always visible, accessible and not crowded out by less healthy alternatives.

“The local store is often the primary food access point for families, making it a powerful lever for positive health change,” added Mr Dykes.

Health and Wellbeing Queensland, Senior Director – Prevention Systems, Dr Simone Nalatu welcomed this next stage of the ongoing Healthy Ways campaign.

“Creating healthier food environments across Queensland is a key priority for Health and Wellbeing Queensland,’ Dr Nalatu said.  

“We deeply value our partnership with CEQ and the incredible work being done in their stores to support this mission.”

“It’s exciting to see the next stage of the Healthy Ways campaign rolling out across the stores, as it’s already making a real difference.”

In Far North Queensland, stores have reported a 10.8% positive shift toward increasing the healthiness of their in-store environments, which is a great result considering that even a 1% change can influence behaviour.

About Healthy Ways and CEQ

Supported by Health and Wellbeing Queensland, Healthy Ways is part of CEQ’s broader commitment to building healthier, more resilient communities across northern Queensland – guided by the organisation’s vision of Caring, every day, always, and its Nutrition and Health Strategy 2023-2027.

CEQ is a not-for-profit organisation responsible for providing goods and essential services to the Torres Strait, Cape York Peninsula and in Doomadgee and on Palm Island through its 31 stores.

CEQ manages the Islanders Board of Industry and Service (IBIS) and Aboriginal Business, Industry and Service (ABIS) stores, as well as other stores including Col Jones and Community Home and Hardware, and Mona’s Bazaar and Mitre 10 on Waibene.

For more information, visit the CEQ website.