SPC Guidelines

"To reflect the unique food environment and practices of the Pacific, the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) Public Health division developed Dietary Guidelines for healthy eating to promote and protect the health and future of Pacific Island peoples. With such a diverse food supply, it can be difficult to place some Pacific foods into the USDA 5 food group system. For example, ‘ulu, otherwise known as breadfruit, is a fruit but also has many similar properties and functions like whole grains as well due to its high carbohydrate and fiber content. Therefore, guidelines for healthy eating include a series of leaflets and fact sheets that focus on traditional Pacific foods, food security, and health issues in the Pacific region. Healthy eating guidelines for adults and children are divided into 3 main food groups: energy nutrient-dense foods, protective foods, and body-building foods. Energy nutrient-dense foods are high in calories and nutrients and should be included in all meals, contributing about half of the food consumed each day. Protective foods include fruits and vegetables, are high in vitamins and minerals, and are recommended in all meals and snacks, contributing about one third of the food consumed each day. Body-building foods are protein-rich foods recommended to be eaten twice a day in small amounts. Examples of foods from the Pacific that fit into these categories are shown in the image, “Healthy Eating in the Pacific.”"