Healthier food and drinks the new normal for Queensland hospitals

Queensland hospitals are serving up healthier choices with surprising benefits for staff, visitors, and businesses. Health and Wellbeing Queensland’s A Better Choice (ABC) Healthcare program is driving real change across the state, supporting hospitals to increase healthy food and drink options. 

As part of its commitment to improving food environments, Health and Wellbeing Queensland is working to ensure Queenslanders have access to healthier options wherever they live, work, and play. 

Under Queensland Health’s Healthier Food and Drink Supply Directive, Hospitals and Health Services (HHSs) are required to ensure that healthy food and drinks are sold, provided and promoted within the state’s healthcare settings. 

A recent report on the program, has seen several HHSs have not only met key performance targets but, in some cases, exceeded them. 

Consumers seek healthier choice

More hospital food retail outlets and vending machines than ever are now meeting the required targets for ‘green’ (healthiest) food and drink options, including improved access to freely available water across hospitals.  

One standout success story is Cairns Hospital, which in March, joined nine other locations in implementing the ‘Pick me’ healthy food promotion, with support from the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation. Since then, its main food outlet, Seabreeze Cafe, has added more than 80 new ‘green’ menu items. 

The new menu includes fresh salads, fruit cups, berries, vegie sticks and hummus, and other nutritious options — all clearly marked to help customers make informed choices. 

‘We’re attracting a new demographic of customers and getting great feedback from hospital staff,’ said Michael Hooper, Social Enterprise Operations Manager, Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation. 

‘There’s real interest in healthy options, and people are asking more questions about what’s available.’ 

The Foundation’s commitment to A Better Choice extends to upgrades made at DCafe, the Foundation Feast catering service, and fresh food vending machines. With plans to introduce grab-and-go and à la carte menus that are mostly ‘green’. 

With promotional efforts now extending online and through on-site displays, the message is clear: healthy eating is not just a recommendation, it’s becoming the standard in Queensland healthcare. 

A healthy change for hospitals 

The recent A Better Choice for Healthcare report revealed:

• 68% of food outlets and vending machines meet targets, up 9% in the last 12 months 
• 12 health services made improvements against the targets for either food or drinks 
• 5 of the HHSs audited met all targets
• 79% of vending machines are meeting targets for food and 85% for drinks
• 92% of vending machines no longer contain sugary drinks.  

‘At the heart of this change is a shared commitment to role-modelling healthy choices for staff and visitors alike,’ said Mat Dick, Principal Lead, Health Promotion at Health and Wellbeing Queensland. 

‘It’s encouraging to see so many facilities step up and create environments where the healthy choice is the easy choice.’ 

Health and Wellbeing Queensland and Statewide Foodservices, Queensland Health, continue to actively work with HHSs to help them achieve these targets. 

To read the full 2024 report on HHS performance and learn more about A Better Choice – Healthcare, visit: A Better Choice – Healthcare 

Sources:

1. Healthy Eating Advisory Service. (n.d). https://heas.health.vic.gov.au/resources/government-guidelines/traffic-light-system/ 
2. Health and Wellbeing Queensland, Queensland Hospital and Health Service Performance Report. (2024). https://hw.qld.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/ABetterChoice_HealthcarePublicReport_2024_Final-1.pdf 

This content has been developed by Health and Wellbeing Queensland’s team of expert nutritionists, dietitians, and exercise physiologists. Always visit your healthcare professional for dietary advice tailored to your circumstances.