Newswise — The City of Tulsa recently adopted an Executive Order and Policy Memorandum outlining the development and implementation of evidence-based nutrition standards for healthier foods and beverages in vending machines provided in buildings and property owned or leased by the City. The Executive Order and Policy Memorandum ensures that if vending machines are located on city properties that are visited by the public, such as public libraries, parks, nature centers, the convention center and community centers, they will meet recommended nutrition standards to provide patrons with healthier options, as well as use calorie labeling to provide basic education on nutritional value of what is available. In addition, Tulsa’s 3,500 city employees will benefit from healthier choices in vending machines where they work, including City Hall, police and fire departments. With a population of more than 395,000, including approximately 100,000 children, this is a critical step in building a culture of health for all Tulsans.

This effort began in early 2014 when healthy vending was an emerging policy issue for the American Heart Association. Discussions with community partners, such as the Tulsa County Wellness Partnership and Tulsa Health Department helped elevate the issue further. The City of Tulsa was already offering healthy food and beverage options in vending machines located in City Hall. Mayor Dewey Bartlett Jr. and his staff recognized the importance of institutionalizing the City’s practice of offering healthy options in vending machines at City Hall by expanding this practice to all City property in order to further promote the City’s commitment to improving the health of its employees and visitors.

The American Heart Association advocates for healthier options in all worksite cafeterias and vending machines and applauds the City of Tulsa for leading the nation on this important effort to ensure access to healthy options for those that live, work, and play in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Resources are available to help companies develop their own policies and tips to make a workplace healthier in the Healthy Workplace Food and Beverage Toolkit.