Giving kids options: Georgia Recreation and Park Assocation adopts resolution to make more healthy foods available to patrons

In March of 2006, the Georgia Recreation and Park Association (GRPA) Board of Directors adopted a resolution urging local park and recreation agencies to provide healthy food choices in vending machines and concession stands in parks. The leadership at GRPA recognized that policy level changes would be instrumental to influence changes in the childhood obesity rates in the state. This resolution urges GRPA-affiliated sites to offer and promote more nutrient-dense foods and outlines choices that should be “limited,” as opposed to those that are “acceptable” and “best.” Additionally, the document includes a clause about promoting water consumption, as opposed to sugar-sweetened beverages. Upon adoption of the resolution, ten facilities volunteered to serve as pilot sites. Strategies to support the resolution were evaluated for 6 months. Intervention strategies included point of purchase prompts, educational handouts for coaches and parents, letters to parents urging them to provide healthy snacks to their children's teams, local media campaigns, posting nutrition information, and pricing strategies to make healthier foods more affordable. The evaluation included parent questionnaires, tracking of food sales records, and focus groups with coaches, site staff, and children. This initiative is in support of Georgia's Nutrition and Physical Activity Initiative, funded through the CDC.