Share a Plate With A Mate this 24 May

Media release – Eat Well Tasmania, 16 April 2024

Tasmanians encouraged to Share a Plate With A Mate this May

The Plate With A Mate campaign will provide Tasmanians with opportunities to share a healthy meal with friends.

The Plate With a Mate campaign can be easily adopted at home, work, school and in community groups and we know food is better together.

Eat Well Tasmania will run several events throughout May, with the campaign culminating on Plate With A Mate Day, Friday 24th May 2024.

Carl Saunder State Manager at Eat Well Tasmania said the campaign would use the power of food to connect people and create stronger, resilient communities.

“Designed to fit into any environment, such as your workplace, school, community group, favourite venue or at home; Plate with a Mate is a great way to connect with others and consider a healthier meal option.

“Food plays a huge role in creating connections and mateship and we should celebrate this and see it as a great way to focus on our health & wellbeing. With Plate With A Mate, our message is simple—when we eat better, we feel better,” said Mr Saunder.

“Our health choices are constantly influenced by our friends, families and those close to us; and we know that sharing food is best done with others. So much of our culture is influenced by food, whether it’s catching up for a coffee, going out for a meal or having a BBQ or picnic at home or at your local park; food is often the glue that brings us together.”

“Seasonal Tasmanian produce should play a massive role in how we look after ourselves and maintain our wellbeing, yet only 7% of us eat enough fruit and veg. So, during Plate With A Mate month we’re encouraging all Tasmanians to enjoy plate of delicious healthy local food with a friend and encourage them to do the same,” Mr Saunder said.

Mitch McPherson, Founder of SPEAK UP! Stay ChatTY said eating healthy, Tasmanian food is a key pillar in managing our health and wellbeing.

“Food is a great conversation starter and social connector and I’d encourage all Tasmanians to start a conversation over a healthier meal this February,” said Mr McPherson.

“What we put on our plate affects our mates—food impacts our mood and how we show up in our relationships at home, work, and play.

Blueline Laundry are one local organisation already planning their Plate with a Mate event next month. General Manager Customer Experience and Growth Al Dickins said at today’s launch:

“It’s a great initiative that Eat Well Tasmania have put together and we’re very grateful and excited to be a part of it. Blueline has over 250 staff and focus on finding ways to break down barriers to employment for people of all abilities backgrounds and cultures, of which our physical and mental wellbeing are absolutely key. We love that Plate with a Mate is championing ways to enjoy home grown, affordable Tassie produce, whilst bringing our community together with intentionality. We are really looking forward to it and we’d encourage other workplaces to sign up.”

Today’s launch is being held at Farzi Café and Restaurant. Varun Khetarpal, Director of Farzi Café and Restaurant in Salamanca sees Eat Well Tasmania’s Plate with a Mate campaign as a great way to bring people together to enjoy each other’s company, whilst enjoying a delicious healthier meal. Mr Khetarpal said “we see our café as a great place for people to come together and enjoy fresh, local produce together. At Farzi we aim to provide a space where it’s all about connection and the food is really the excuse to connect.”

Register your Plate With a Mate interest and to find healthy recipes to share with your mates visit eatwelltas.org.au. People can also follow the campaign on the Eat Well Tasmania’s Facebook and Instagram pages @eatwelltasmania.