Mississauga set to revamp food menus at arenas and community centres

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Published March 11, 2020 at 8:02 pm

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If you worry that there aren’t enough healthy food choices at city-run venues, you might be happy to hear that Mississauga is revamping its edible offerings at a number of facilities. 

The City of Mississauga recently announced that it’s implementing a new Healthy Food and Beverage Policy for recreation facilities starting Sept. 1, 2020.

As for what to expect, the city says facilities will cease offering processed meats, chocolate bars, fries and more.  

“Mississauga’s new healthy food and beverage policy is the strongest stance taken by any municipality in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA),” said Mayor Bonnie Crombie in a statement.   

“We worked closely with Peel Public Health with a goal of providing better food and beverage offerings that are in line with the Region’s nutrition standards. With obesity and diabetes on the rise in our community, this is one way our city can be part of the solution. Health is at the centre of active, thriving and prosperous cities.”

The city says the new policy applies to vending machines and concession stands in all recreation facilities, including arenas, activity centres, community centres, golf courses, marinas, outdoor pools, recreation centres and the C Cafe, which located in the Civic Centre.

The policy will not include banquet services, the Paramount Fine Foods Centre and the Living Arts Centre.

The city says the policy will be implemented in two phases:

Phase 1 – Beginning September 1, 2020

  • Highly processed foods such as processed meats, prepackaged foods such as chocolate bars and deep-fried foods such as french fries will be eliminated immediately

Phase 2 – Beginning May 1, 2021

  • At least 75 per cent of beverages will be water and carbonated water, unsweetened milk and plant-based                                                                 

The city says upcoming beverage and vending purchasing agreements will comply with these nutrition guidelines. Vendors will also be required to eliminate single-use plastics in their food and beverage packaging.

The city’s Healthy Food and Beverage Policy is set to go to council for final approval on March 18.

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