Policy Pick: City of South El Monte Adopts Healthy Vending and Meeting Policies

The city's new nutritional guidelines, approved on March 22, are being called the strongest in the state for food and beverages sold in vending machines at city facilities and institutions, or served at city events, according to the California Center for Public Health Advocacy (CCPHA). The CCPHA, a First 5 LA Community Opportunities Fund policy grantee, played an instrumental role, along with the Mexican American Opportunity Foundation, in passing the guidelines.

"As a mom and councilmember, I make health and wellness a priority so that the children of South El Monte - 36 percent of whom are overweight - can have a better quality of life," said Councilwoman Angelica Garcia, who championed the policies.

The city council acted in response to the growing obesity rates, including among young children. According to the Women Infants and Children's (WIC) program, about 20 percent of 3- and 4-year-old WIC participants in Los Angeles County are considered overweight. Regulations like these are expected to help parents make healthier choices when selecting food and drinks for their children.

The guidelines apply to food and beverages in all vending machines in city facilities and institutions, including afterschool programs, recreation centers, pools, libraries, parks, community centers and childcare centers. It also applies to food and beverages served during public, staff and interdepartmental meetings.

Food snacks sold or distributed through vending machines must meet certain standards. The policy emphasizes foods that are lower in fat, sugar and calories. It also emphasizes fruit, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy. Vending machines that sell food must offer at least one snack item that is lower in sodium, and the resolution recommends that the machines have one item that has at least two grams of dietary fiber.

For drinks, tap water is preferred. Beverages provided at events or sold through vending machines should have no added caloric sweetener; fruit or vegetable based and 50 to 100 percent real juice or low-fat, non-fat, soy or rice milk. There are no penalties at this time for lack of compliance with the resolution.

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