Healthy Heads in Trucks & Sheds Foundation (HHTS) has announced the start of a Nutrition Pilot Program for truckies, developed in partnership with Nutrition Australia.
The aim of the program is to educate, raise awareness and encourage longer-term healthy eating among truck drivers.
According to HHTS, the program was developed in response to poor health outcomes among drivers. The foundation points to a recent study by Monash University that highlights that 70 per cent of drivers surveyed did not meet the guidelines for a healthy and balanced diet.
The pilot focuses on heavy vehicle drivers and will run over four months. During that time, HHTS will deliver educational content across social media platforms, the HHTS website and via existing partners who operate in road transport, warehousing and logistics.
“This content has been designed to raise awareness about healthier choices and the benefits of healthier eating for both physical and mental health outcomes. Also, offering practical tips and suggestions about making small but meaningful changes gradually,” said HHTS.
In addition, 29 bp service centres across Australia will be offering freshly cooked healthier meals, 24 hours a day, catering to the needs of those working in the logistics industries. The menu, which has had input from Nutrition Australia, will be permanently available at these sites.
“We want to take small incremental steps toward improving understanding of how to make better choices when it comes to what truck drivers are consuming and demonstrate how these minor changes can make major and lasting improvements to overall health,” said HHTS director industry relations and program management Melissa Weller.
Over 40 truck drivers completed a pre-program survey and in December will complete a post-program survey. At the conclusion of the pilot, HHTS and Nutrition Australia will evaluate the results of the program.
Nutrition Australia CEO, Lucinda Hancock said, “More than three million Australians are living with anxiety or depression. Research shows that by changing the food we eat, we can have a significant positive impact on our mood and mental health. The pilot aims to increase the driver’s awareness of healthy eating and influence their eating behaviours more broadly. By making small changes to what we eat on a day-to-day basis, we can reap many positive health benefits.”
Mrs Weller added that the long-term goal is to roll out a national program that spans across the broader logistics industry, including warehousing and distribution centres. As well as sharing educational information, the plan is to also influence on-site canteen suppliers and increase access to healthier foods.
For a limited time, users of the Healthy Heads App will receive an instant $5 discount on the curated menu of healthier meal choices at participating bp service centres. The app is free to download on iOS or Android.
Participating bp sites:
New South Wales: bp Beresfield, bp Eastern Creek, bp Jerilderie, bp Marulan Northbound, bp Marulan Southbound, bp Nambucca Heads, bp North Albury, bp Parkes, bp Potts Hill.
Northern Territory: bp Darwin.
Queensland: bp Aratula, bp Archerfield, bp Goondiwindi, bp Paget, bp Port of Brisbane, bp Toowoomba Westbound, bp Townsville.
South Australia: bp Port Augusta, bp Wingfield.
Victoria: bp Dandenong, bp Energy, bp Laverton North, bp Northpoint, bp Outbound Somerton, bp Rockbank Inbound, bp Rockbank Outbound, bp Truganina.
Western Australia: bp Kewdale, bp Muchea.