The council’s five centres – Blacktown Aquatic Centre, Blacktown Leisure Centre Stanhope, Charlie Lowles Leisure Centre Emerton, Mount Druitt Swimming Centre and Riverstone Swimming Centre - are among the firsts in NSW to implement a policy that encourages patrons of all ages to put more emphasis on eating healthier food and drinks.
The choices at these council facilities include more sandwiches, wraps, fruit salads, protein and nut bars, sesame snack, popcorn and fruit juices although packets of chips, pastries, confectioneries and soft drinks are still available.
But the policy means that patrons can expect 75 percent of kiosk menu items are produced from whole foods such as grains, vegetables and lean meats, Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale said.
“By having healthier options on our menus, we are allowing our patrons to make smarter health choices for themselves and their families.
“Good nutrition allows adults to have more energy, making it easier to stay fit and active.
“Children who eat well will also have energy for playing sports and activities, as well as helping them concentrate, learn, and support growth and development."
The healthy food items are offered alongside recommended serving sizes of other foods such as pastries and confectioneries.
The council and WSLHD collaborated over two years consultations on the Australian Guide for Healthy Eating along with local research to find healthier options that patrons will enjoy.
“When this project commenced, we heard from nearly 600 leisure centre staff and visitors, with almost 60 per cent reporting they wanted to be able to buy healthy food and drinks when they visited a Centre,” WSLHD Centre for Population Health director Dr Shopna Bag said.
For more details on the council and WSLHD recommended healthy eating guide, visit https://www.eatforhealth.gov.au/guidelines/australian-guide-healthy-eating
