Junk Food Remains On Arena Menu:

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Junk food remains on arena menu

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star

Published: October 08, 2009

Onion rings are back on the roster at Vernon Vipers games.
On Wednesday, the North Okanagan Regional District board overturned a recommendation of the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee that would have replaced some junk food with healthier items at Wesbild Centre and the recreation complex. Instead, the full menu will continue while healthier foods are added.
“People should be able to make their own choices,” said director Mike Gavinchuk.
Director Wayne Lippert was among those who supported the original recommendation at GVAC. But he changed his mind when he realized some food would no longer be available.
“I believe in choices. We shouldn’t take away items people like,” he said.
As part of the menu proposed by GVAC, onion rings would have made way for frozen Baja burritos while chicken strips would have been replaced by chicken fingers.
A low-sodium popcorn cooked in sunflower oil would have been introduced while apple chips, and not nachos, would have been sold.
Director Jack Gilroy is pleased that a compromise has been found.
“Healthy choices are good but if they (junk food) are already there, why take it out,” he said.
Questions were also raised about plans to promote some items over others.
“Fruit juice has as much sugar as pop does. Choice is what it’s all about and not big brother,” said director John Trainor.
Had GVAC’s recommendation proceeded, staff had anticipated that net revenue from the concession stands and vending machines during the first year could drop $15,000 to $20,000.
With the current food selection remaining and new healthier items being added, there is also the possibility it could increase.
“There will be people who wouldn’t normally buy there,” said Al McNiven, parks and recreation general manager, because they didn’t find the menu appealing before.
Presently, there is $98,000 in annual net revenue from the concession and vending machines at Wesbild Centre and the recreation complex.