Policy opportunities to initiate nutrition-focused food banking in Australia

Abstract

This thesis explores the policy opportunities for Australian food banks to improve the quality of donated food through nutrition-focused food banking. It includes four studies: a scoping review, an audit of donated food, and the evaluation of the food safety and nutritional quality of donated food. Findings highlight the operational challenges food banks face in prioritising nutritious food, with the proposed nutrition classification scheme offering a practical solution to contribute to food safety and nutritional quality.