In May, Healthy Families Invercargill hosted a meeting with Southland mobile food vendors at ILT Stadium Southland.

As part of an initiative to increase the number of healthy options at events, Healthy Families Invercargill is working with local vendors to support this ideal.

"It's really important for us to have a good understanding of the challenges and opportunities which mobile vendors in Southland face," Healthy Families Invercargill manager Jared Cappie said.

"We know from the surveys and insights we have gathered that the public would prefer to have a variety of food options available, but it's really important to remember that we keep in mind that this is peoples' livelihoods. I'd like to thank all those who attended on the night and provided their feedback."

The May meeting was attended by a range of local mobile food vendors, with some robust and insightful conversations happening.

Healthy Families Invercargill settings coordinator Stella O'Connor facilitated the evening, and took the opportunity to outline the Choice As events guidelines and subcontractor agreeements which Healthy Families Invercargill has created in conjunction with a network of event organisers.

"There has been a really positive response from the public to the provision of more healthy options at events like the ICC Surf to City and ILT Kidzone," Cappie said.

"That makes sense for events where the focus is on physical activity or on families, but at other events it might be more appropriate to ensure there is a variety of options. We will continue to identify ways we can support food vendors - perhaps by helping set up a network, or by creating opportunities for training, such as the Chip Group training."