TITLE
Recommendation to adopt resolution adopting the City of Long Beach Healthy Beverage Vending Policy, and defer considering adoption of such Policy until a Request for Proposal (RFP) for vending machine operations is completed to determine the fiscal impacts of the Policy's implementation. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
On April 19, 2011, the City Council requested the creation of a healthy food and beverage policy that promotes good nutrition and healthy environments within City facilities and at City-sponsored meetings/events. This action was recommended due to the significant health consequences associated with the growing rate of overweight and obese youth and adults in Long Beach.
As originally proposed, this policy was to include the following standards:
· 100% of the snacks and beverages sold in vending machines on City property and/or where City programs operate shall meet specified nutrition standards;
· 100% of the beverages and snack foods served at meetings/events/celebrations led or coordinated through the City staff shall meet specified nutrition standards;
· Specified nutrition standards will be based on nationally recognized and accepted guidelines, similar to those used for foods and beverages sold in California schools (SB 12 and SB 965); and
· The standards are to include limits on sugar, fat, sodium and calories for snack foods, as well as the elimination of sugar-sweetened beverages, and limits on artificially sweetened beverages.
For purposes of clarity and discussion, staff determined the requested policy would be best divided into two distinct policies and presented as separate agenda items. This item pertains specifically to the Healthy Beverage Vending Policy (Policy).
Proposed Healthy Beverage Vending Policy
The attached Policy applies only to the beverage vending machines on City-owned property, which are under the direct control of the City and that are accessible to the public. The Policy does not apply to:
· Beverage vendin...
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