City of Riverside Adopts Healthy Food and Beverage Policy

11-10-2015

In the Eastside Heal Zone, in line with the California Department of Public Health's Rethink Your Drink Campaign, the City's Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Department (PRCSD) replaced sodas with bottled water and added healthier snack options to the vending machines at the Bobby Bonds and Bordwell Parks.

As a result of the successful pilot in the Eastside HEAL Zone and with community, staff, and vendor support, Mayor Bailey and Councilmember Melendrez recommended the implementation of healthier choices for all City wards at the November 10, 2015 City Council meeting. Following the presentation and discussion, the City Council unanimously adopted the Healthier Food and Beverage guidelines and goals for City-sponsored community events, youth and senior programs, meetings for public and staff, and City-managed vending machines and catering.

The City of Riverside policy efforts are ensuring that healthy eating and active living improvements are practiced and modeled for all community residents. For more information on the policy, please review the report (link), presentation (link), specifications (link) and adherence goals (link).