Mealmakers Program: Linkages for Health

Abstract

The Mealmakers Program is an initiative for the promotion of health through early intervention. Community members and three health agencies linked together to plan and implement a program aimed at improving the wellbeing of children attending a pre-school in a disadvantaged area of Victoria. The Program has four components: a food program providing nutritious meals daily; a dental health monitoring and treatment program; the provision of accessible information on healthy eating for the children and their families; and practical education on growing vegetables. The Program now has assured funding, and community ownership, which is responsible for the Program's functions, the employment of staff, and extensive networking with health care professionals.