Title
A MOTION requesting the executive to adopt standards for vending machines located in King County facilities that are consistent with board of health guidelines and recommendations.
Body
WHEREAS, over half of adults and almost one-third of youth in King County are overweight or obese, and
WHEREAS, overweight adults and youth are at greater risk for numerous serious health outcomes that place a large burden on the health care system and increase health care costs, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, certain cancers, asthma, arthritis and other debilitating diseases, and
WHEREAS, studies show that Americans consume too few vegetables, fruits, high-fiber whole grains, low-fat milk and milk products and seafood, and too much saturated and trans fats, refined grains, sodium and sugar-sweetened beverages, and
WHEREAS, ensuring access to healthy food and beverage choices in King County worksites would make it easier for county employees to consume more nutritious food and beverages while at work, and
WHEREAS, King County has been working collaboratively with food and beverage vendors since 2005 to increase the availability of healthy choices in vending machines for employees and the public, and
WHEREAS, on April 21, 2011, the King County board of health adopted Guideline and Recommendation 11-02, establishing guidelines for healthy vending machines, and
WHEREAS, these guidelines categorize foods and beverages into three categories, including Limited, Healthier and Healthiest, and
WHEREAS, the Limited category includes foods and beverages that are high in sodium, sugar, fat and refined grains and are less healthy, such as candy, potato chips and sugar-sweetened beverages, and
WHEREAS, the Healthier category includes foods and beverages that are based on whole foods, but may be somewhat more processed or refined, such as fruits packed in light syrup, low-sodium nuts and seeds, baked potato chips, one-hund...

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