Mississauga is pulling back on a policy to provide only healthy food at community centres and arenas.<\/p>\n
Back in 2020, council approved a healthy food and beverage policy for recreation facilities to address public health concerns\u2014most notably, the increasing prevalence of obesity and diabetes in Mississauga.<\/p>\n
Many city facilities were to phase out<\/a> processed meats, chocolate bars, fries and more unhealthy food. The policy was for arenas, activity centres, community centres, outdoor pools and recreation centres. It did not include banquet services, the Paramount Fine Foods Centre and the Living Arts Centre.<\/p>\n But councillors voted in favour of a revised policy during the General Committee meeting on Sept. 17.<\/p>\n The policy offers more choice at facilities with at least 25 per cent of all food products and 50 per cent of all beverages at concessions meeting nutrition standards.<\/p>\n The change is \u201ca balanced approach, ensuring that nutritious choices remain prominent while accommodating broader preferences and allowing for increased variety,\u201d a report to the committee stated.<\/p>\n Mayor Carolyn Parrish said the 2020 policy was \u201cvirtue signalling\u201d and telling people what they should eat. When kids go to an arena, they want a treat, she said.<\/p>\n \u201cNo kid goes to an arena to eat broccoli,\u201d said Parrish.<\/p>\n Coun. Stephen Dasko said community centre and facility concession stands would sometimes have no customers as residents walked in with donuts or snacks from outside restaurants.<\/p>\n Staff said there will still be healthy choices, but it will be a balance.<\/p>\n