A local health unit is pushing for healthier options at local hockey arenas, for both players and spectators.
The Grey Bruce Health Unit recently completed a study that looked at food choices available at the 22 municipal recreation facilities in the region and found that healthy food choices were few and far between.
Kathryn Forsyth is a dietitian and a contributor to the study; she says recreation facilities are places where healthy activities and foods should go hand in hand
“Healthy can taste good and be fulfilling after a sporting event when you have just been burning off lots of calories being active and helping your health, we don't want to see you put in empty calories of fat and sugar that are going to take away from that healthy activity you just finished.”
The study makes seven recommendations for municipalities to up their game. They include: surveying residents to find out what people would want instead of french fries and soft drinks and establishing policies for vendors who operate inside municipal facilities.
City officials in Owen Sound declined comment on Wednesday saying they are waiting until local committees had a chance to review the study. But plans are in the works to provide more options at the Julie McArthur Recreation Centre in the future.
Arena managers in neighbouring municipalities told CTV News most people bring their own snacks and concession stands have become a losing proposition no matter what is being offered.
The health unit is also hoping to see more water bottle filling stations at recreation facilities to help reduce the amount of bottled water being used.
