Country Kitchens Program Given Green Light

Funding for a program to improve the health of rural families by developing their cooking skills has been approved by Queensland Health Minister Cameron Dick.

The Country Kitchens program, to be operated by the Queensland Country Women’s Association, will receive $2.5 million over three years.

Queensland Health Minister Cameron Dick said the project, like others funded last week by the Palaszczuk Government, are important to keep country communities resilient during tough times of drought.

“I applaud the good work of the Queensland Country Women’s Association, particularly for the important role it plays in the lives of Queensland Women and their families,” Mr Dick said.

“The QWCA Country Kitchens program will support people to develop confidence and practical cooking skills and then take these skills and use them in their home kitchen to prepare healthy meals.

“The QCWA has a high profile and strong connection with the local community in rural and remote Queensland.

“I look forward to hearing of the positive health impacts from this project for people living in rural Queensland communities.”

The aim of the project is to improve fruit and vegetable consumption.

The 2012 Queensland Chief Health Officer’s Report 2012 which identified obesity as a leading cause of premature death and disability with rates being 45 per cent higher in remote areas.

“The QCWA will work closely with Queensland Health to deliver an innovative program aimed at addressing rising obesity levels in rural and regional Queensland,” Mr Dick said.

“They will deliver key messages to better health including adding fruit and vegetables to your meal, having smaller portion sizes, cutting back on sugary drinks and be sure to sit less and move more.”

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Media Contact Suellen Hinde (07) 3035 6117