The Quezon City government, through the Quezon City Health Department (QCHD) in partnership with SHAPE Asia, is advancing efforts to promote healthier food environments through a workshop with retail stakeholders in support of a proposed Healthy Food Retail Ordinance.
SHAPE Asia is a regional health policy and advocacy group working with governments and communities across Asia to promote evidence-based approaches to healthier food systems.
Held at the QC M.I.C.E. Center, the “Shaping Food Retail: The Healthy Food Store Workshop” gathered representatives from market vendors’ associations, supermarkets, grocery retailers, convenience stores, and other food retail stakeholders.
Discussions focused on strategies that encourage healthier consumer choices, including improved product visibility, better consumer information, and retail practices that support healthier purchasing behavior.
The workshop also served as a consultation and capacity-building platform for stakeholders on the proposed ordinance, which seeks to improve access to healthier food options in retail settings and strengthen the city’s existing Calorie Labeling Policy, currently in its Phase 1 implementation.
“The health and welfare of every QCitizen have always been a priority of the city government. This partnership with SHAPE Asia will further strengthen our initiatives by engaging retailers in advancing our shared goals. It proves that a whole-of-city approach becomes more effective when residents and community stakeholders are actively involved,” Mayor Joy Belmonte said.
QCHD and SHAPE Asia said the initiative forms part of broader regional efforts to strengthen healthier food systems through policy engagement and stakeholder collaboration across Asia.
It aims to make healthier food choices more accessible and practical in everyday settings.