By Molly Magennis
Victoria University nutrition students, in collaboration with Cohealth, have been working with NDIS staff to create healthy meals for people with disabilities.
The Menu Project, also supported by disability accommodation providers in Melbourne’s west, is a four-week venture that helps to give staff and NDIS support workers a better understanding of how food can influence the health of their clients.
The project helps students develop practical skills for creating nutritious recipes and other resources for each disability accommodation centre.
Footscray House was the first accommodation provider to participate in the program.
Staff member Rosemary, who has worked there for a decade, said the Menu Project introduced her to new foods and how to prepare them in a nutritious way.
“At our recent Christmas party, we served more healthy foods such as fruit and vegetables instead of cakes and sweets like we used to,” said Rosemary.
Victoria University nutrition and dietetics courses chair, Dr Helen McCarthy said the project has had positive feedback, and that there is scope for it to be expanded.
“This is currently a volunteer opportunity for our students, but we are looking at ways of embedding it into our courses.”
