Making the healthy choice: Nutrition policy and recreation facilities

There is agreement that measures to reduce unhealthy eating practices are helpful in preventing or delaying the development of several chronic diseases. The policy question is how to encourage the population to make healthier food choices. This study looks at the food choices made by users of publicly-funded recreation facilities. Recreation facilities are mandated to enhance people's well-being, thus they represent an appropriate case study. In focussing on nutrition within recreation centres, this study asks - Are there factors that individual recreation centres can control which influence people's willingness to purchase healthy food? This study makes recommendations that depend on whether the facility is operating with an existing vending machine contract or is at a stage where the contract can be renewed. The recommendations call for an increase in the availability of healthy options and providing price incentives for healthy options.