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The researchers found that vending machine “... stocked products loaded with fats, salts and sugars which cannot be advertised on children’s TV or sold in school vending machines ......... Fresh fruit was displayed at less than half of the venues visited and children’s meal deals were awash with fried food options including chips, nuggets, sausages and burgers all of which have been significantly restricted in schools....”
My first reaction was to play the ‘choice’ card – we must not impose our values on others and, if they chose to buy these foods, then we can’t really stop them.
My second reaction was to play the ’recession’ card – it’s a tough operating climate, so operators should optimise all their revenue generating potential.
If we don’t sell them sweets, they’ll just go round the corner and buy them.
My third was to look at a Mandelson-like ‘spin’ – it all about calories in and calories out. It’s OK to eat ‘unhealthy’ food as long as you burn those calories.But deep down I knew all three arguments were morally wrong. If we are serious about playing our role as community health partners, who are part of the Government’s wellbeing delivery team, then we have to have to have a good, long and very honest look at what we do, what we say and behave accordingly.
In a couple of weeks time it will be National Obesity Week and we, the FIA, will be at the House of Commons sharing a platform with MEND, the children’s obesity specialist, as well as 65 children who are being celebrated for having made the necessary changes and tackled their own obesity issues and are now using their experience to help their peers. This is all part of a national strategy to address the breath taking fact that by 2050 9 in every 10 children will be overweight or obese.
Judging by the recent survey our front doors say “We’re here to help. We can help you solve this problem....” But our back door seems to be saying “...But we have to make a living, so you can buy some unhealthy food if you want to.”
I know as a trade body we are here to reflect your views and your interest: and I know that the survey findings applies to only some of the facilities in our camp but, as an organisation which represents the broad church which is our industry, my duty is to raise the issue and allow you to debate it.
Whatever we do, we should be consistent. Like the Co Op and other ethical brands (which is where we want to be if we want to play the wellbeing card), we have to look at every aspect of our operation – from our green energy policies to our healthy food options.
I know you have a business to run and revenue to generate, but perhaps the BHF report is a valuable traffic light, rather than an irritating output of an NGO.
Dave Stalker
COO
Fitness Industry Association
Great post, David. When I lived in the UK I was a member at a large leisure facility that incorporated the gym, swimming, tennis etc. I remember being shocked at having to walk through the restaurant, smelling of chips and beer, to get to the gym. It just didn't sit right with me.
ReplyDeleteThat isn't to say that from time to time after a big swim, I don't crave a few hot chips. I just don't indulge EVERY time.
Gyms here in NZ aren't that big, but quite a few do sell protein shakes, bars and a few pieces of fruit at the front desk. I can think of just one that has a cafe, and although it has a few cookies and muffins, there are no chips, burgers, or pies.
While it may hurt the pocket, I do think we have a responsibility to lead by example and keep our food offerings on the healthy side. Morally it's just the right thing to do.