Healthy food options lacking at recreation centres

Region part of study on what helps people make healthier choices

WATERLOO REGION — Recreation centres in Waterloo Region have a long way to go to promote healthy eating, but even small changes make it much easier for people to pick foods that are better for them.

A few municipally funded centres improved their food offerings since the launch of a project that aims to determine what facilitates healthy changes in retail food environments.

“We did see municipalities take steps to make changes,” said Ellen Gregg, public health nutritionist with Region of Waterloo Public Health. “That’s pretty incredible that they felt motivated enough to make change.”

This region was one of four sites chosen to participate in the Canadian Institute of Health Researchfunded project, running from 2015 to 2018. Recreation centres were chosen here because they’re a natural setting to promote and support health. But that’s not often what’s happening.

A close look at local centres in 2016 found healthy options were lacking.

Researchers found good access to tap water for drinking and healthier beverage options tended to be less expensive.

However, only five per cent of the food and 35 per cent of the drinks sold met the criteria for healthy. More than half of the centres displayed ads for unhealthy food or beverages.

Several had 25-cent candy machines and some sold energy drinks.

While people can enjoy treats from time to time, Gregg said moderation is key. Only a fraction of Canadians — half a per cent — follows Canada’s Food Guide.

“Every little bit really does matter,” Gregg said. “We actually need to make some different choices if we want to be healthy.”

A forum was held in October 2016 with elected officials, municipal staff, and food service operators and distributors to discuss the situation; since then, public health has been working on suggestions and providing guidance to municipalities.

They’ve also create resources, including short animated videos posted on the region’s public health’s YouTube channel about the importance of eating well and being physically active.

“One behaviour really can’t make up for another,” Gregg said. “Both are really important for health.”

Another assessment was done in 2017, finding no significant improvements. But Gregg is optimistic. “Change is very slow,” she said.

There were positive changes, and Gregg expects to see more when data is collected again this year.

Some municipalities running their own concessions increased the proportion of healthier choices and reduced the price for those options.

One municipality got rid of most of their coinoperated candy machines, replacing them with toy machines.

Candy machines are a trigger for young children to ask for candy and put the onus on parents to say no.

“It definitely sets up a more supportive environment,” Gregg said.

The public health department will continue to support municipalities, who are also talking to each other on ways to healthier food options.

“They’re definitely working collaboratively.”