ESO funding for Veterans’ Health Week – Nutrition

23/05/2018 Posted by Brian Hartigan 3567 Views 0 Comments

NUTRITION will be the theme for this year’s Veterans’ Health week with funding for applications to support events highlighting the week now open for ex-service organisations (ESOs) and community groups.

FILE PHOTO: An Australian Army staff cadet from RMC-Duntroon combines ingredients during a lecture on ration packs at the Majura training area. Photo by Corporal Bill Solomou.

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Darren Chester said Veterans’ Health Week in September was a fantastic opportunity for ESOs and community groups to positively engage with veterans in their communities and promote the benefits of leading a healthy lifestyle.

“Nutrition plays a big part in being healthy and we know that it leads to improved wellbeing and is a part of achieving better lifestyle outcomes,” Mr Chester said.

“Funding is available to support the development and delivery of Veterans’ Health Week events and can include great initiatives like information sessions with dieticians and nutritionists, supermarket and grocery tours or learning more about food labels.”

Mr Chester said organisations that provide ongoing support, engagement and information to the veteran and ex-service community are vital to the success of Veterans’ Health Week.

“Any ESO or community group with a link to the broader veteran community is eligible to apply and encouraged to partner with other organisations that promote healthy, active and engaged lifestyles,” Mr Chester said.

“Think outside the square and get creative, activities like cooking and sharing a meal is also a great way to learn new skills, meet people, share recipes and try fresh and healthy food options.”

This year, Veterans’ Health Week runs from Saturday 22 September to Sunday 30 September 2018. Applications for funding close on 29 June 2018.

The Veterans’ Health Week funding application form, resource guide and other documentation to assist event organisers are now available on the DVA website: dva.gov.au/veterans-health-week.