Mallee Burger sets benchmark for healthy options

Published on 22 May 2015

One of Mildura’s most iconic takeaway institutions has partnered with Healthy Together Mildura to add healthy options to their menu. Mallee Burger this week introduced a range of new healthy items and hope by doing so, they will inspire other takeaway vendors to do the same.

Owner Mandy Taylor said it was important that the food industry be aware of the health impact they have on the community and take responsibility to help improve it.

“Mallee Burger food is a wonderful treat, but if there are only unhealthy foods available, then most people will eat the unhealthy food. By adding healthy options it gives families greater choice around what they eat when out,” Mrs Taylor said

“We will continue to serve all the traditional Mallee Burger favourites, but have worked with Healthy Together Mildura, Nutrition Australia and our local suppliers to come up with some healthier options that we hope will become new favourites.”

The new menu includes a modified version of the famous Mallee Burger, wholemeal rolls, sandwiches and wraps, a healthy cheese burger, baked potatoes and children’s meal deals.

Nine local caterers have had their menus assessed by Nutrition Australia as part of the Healthy Catering Handbook, but Mallee Burger is the first takeaway outlet to take up the opportunity to make healthy changes.

Community Wellbeing and Services Portfolio Councillor Sharyon Peart said giving families choice was a major step in positively changing eating habits.

“As a community we should be very proud that an iconic local take-away like Mallee Burger has chosen take the lead on the issue of healthy eating and provided healthy options,” Cr Peart said

“Mallee Burger has a huge community reach within our sporting clubs, schools, workplaces and community events. Consumers will see these clearly branded healthy options on a regular basis and hopefully this healthy change will become the norm.”

Healthy Together Mildura has supported Mallee Burger through the development of the new options as part of the Healthy Canteens and Kiosks initiative, which ties in with the Healthy Together School and Workplace Achievement Programs and Victorian Healthy Eating Advisory Service Guidelines.

Mandy Taylor said she has seen a shift in attitude and a growing demand for healthier options.

“A major reason we became involved in the initiative was for the future of our local children. Educating people to make a healthier choice will help to prevent diseases such as, Type 2 Diabetes and reduce obesity. Generally parents would prefer their children to a have healthier snack, so it’s been great to give them that option.”

The new menu items are now available at Mallee Burger Centro Plaza, Mallee Burger Chickens on Deakin and in the Mallee Burger Van.

Healthy Together Mildura is funded by the Victorian Government and is a partnership between Mildura Rural City Council and Sunraysia Community Health Services.

ENDS

Media enquiries
Angela Umback
(03) 5018 8689
angela.umback@mildura.vic.gov.au