Healthier Vending Machine Options
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
August 19, 2014
LAS VEGAS – The vending machine doesn’t have to kill your healthy eating habits.
The Southern Nevada Health District has partnered with the Clark County Parks & Recreation Department and First Class Vending to develop and provide healthier options for vending machines. Vending machines in several county recreational facilities throughout the Valley now offer healthier snacks and beverages.
The county’s efforts are part of the Healthy Vending Initiative spearheaded by the Southern Nevada Health District and funded, in part, by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Community Transformation grant received by the Clark County School District. The health district is a project partner and worked with staff from the parks and recreation department and First Class Vending to establish nutritional guidelines and standards for snacks and beverages, such as the availability of non-carbonated beverages with little or no added sugar, or snacks with less sugar, less salt and less fat.
“We commend Clark County Parks & Recreation and First Class Vending for their efforts” said Aurora Buffington, Southern Nevada Health District health educator/registered dietician. “Giving people an opportunity to make healthier selections at the vending machine is important, especially in locations where children and families come to be active.”
Vending machines that are part of the initiative are located at the following locations:
| Cambridge Recreation Center & Water Park 3930 S. Cambridge, Las Vegas 89119 |
Desert Breeze Community Center 8275 Spring Mountain Rd., Las Vegas 89117 |
| Hollywood Aquatic Center 1550 S. Hollywood Blvd., Las Vegas 89142 |
Hollywood Community Services Center 1650 S. Hollywood Blvd., Las Vegas 89142 |
| Paradise Community Center 4775 S. McLeod Dr, Las Vegas 89121 |
Spirit Mtn. Recreation Center 1975 Arie Ave., Laughlin 89029 |
| Sunset Park Admin Offices 2601 E. Sunset Rd., Las Vegas 89102 |
Walnut Recreation Center & Water Park 3075 N. Walnut Rd., Las Vegas 89115 |
“Healthy vending options let people know that they don’t have to choose between snacks they love and snacks that are good for them,” said Candy Rutledge, Clark County Parks & Recreation Department senior program administrator. “People are more conscientious about their diets and they are looking for more healthy options, even at the vending machine.”
The Southern Nevada Health District serves as the local public health authority for Clark County, Boulder City, Henderson, Las Vegas, Mesquite and North Las Vegas. The agency safeguards the public health of the community’s residents and visitors through innovative programs, regulations, and initiatives focused on protecting and promoting their health and well-being. More information about the Health District, its programs, services, and the regulatory oversight it provides is available at www.SNHD.info. Follow the Health District on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.