What's in Your Concession Stand?

Members of Ida Alive have been meeting monthly to discuss how, as a community, we can reach our goal to be the healthiest county in Iowa. With many of us having children that are active in the community, we find ourselves eating foods from concession stands. This may not always be the healthiest choice but the only choice at the time. Do you ever see the irony in serving our children unhealthy foods like sugary sport drinks and candy while encouraging them to participate in athletics, play outdoors and be physically active?

Studies show that less than 1 in 3 kids get enough fruits and vegetables, and that today's kids are predicted to have shorter lifespans than their parents. In the state of Iowa 14.4% of children ages 2-4 from low income families are considered obese, 13.6% of children ages 10-17 are obese, and 31.3% of adults are obese.

Schools are regulated to have nutritional requirements for breakfast and lunch programs, while foods sold at concession stands have no requirements. Many families eat snacks and meals away from home while supporting their children in sports and other extracurricular activities. Too often, the foods and drinks sold at concession stands are high in sugar, fat and calories. Improving options offered at concession stands will provide healthier choices for Ida County families. Students and adults will buy and eat healthy foods and drinks when they are tasty, convenient, and affordable.

Last November Julie Andresen, a student from the University of Iowa, gave a presentation on ways to add healthy options to concession stands. Ida Alive has a Healthy Concession Stands Toolkit that is available to anyone who would like more information. Ida Alive is also available to talk to any group that would like more information. Contact Horn Public Health at 712-364-7311.