Mournes Sinn Féin Councillor Willie Clarke speaking following tabling a motion in relation to the introduction of healthy options vending machines be provided in Council buildings, said: “As a council, we are committed to promoting good health and want to do as much as we can to make it as easy as possible to make the right choices when it comes to what we eat and drink.
“Council are proactively encouraging people to be more active, and it makes perfect sense that the vending machines at our council buildings – including leisure centres and administration centres – are providing healthy options in our vending machines which will support our healthy ethos and offer food which supports a balanced diet for active lifestyle and is value for money.”
The motion has been referred back to the Active And Healthy Committee for further consideration and action.
Notice of Motion received from Councillor Clarke:
“That this council will introduce a policy to ensure council buildings and leisure centres with vending machines, will replenish them with healthy choice snacks and drinks and will reduce the availability of high-sugar items such as sweets, high sugar fizzy drinks and high fat snacks.
“Furthermore, council will encourage other partner organisations on the community planning partnership board to follow the example of council and implement similar interventions within their organisations, these measures will assist us in tackling obesity, creating “nudge” strategies to facilitate healthier choices to help people to change their diet.”
