Snack trials at clubs ‘success’

By John Van Klaveren
A PROGRAM pushing healthy foods at sport clubs will roll out statewide with an extra $3.3 million in funding despite encountering resistance in Geelong trials, according to VicHealth.
Sue McGill said clubs involved in the Geelong pilot program discovered changing attitudes was tough.
“Clubs have recognised that significant culture shifts take a long time,” Ms McGill said.
“It’s a two-and-a-half-year program, so we hope to see an indication of culture change by that time.
“Many clubs have been operating along traditional lines for a long time.
“It’s not about banning beer and pies but looking at healthier options, whether in the canteen, the bar or creating a welcoming, inclusive environment.”
Ms McGill said clubs had appointed “champions of change” to help drive cultural change.
Some clubs experienced an increase in members and improved participation levels, she said.
Latrobe University’s Centre for Sport and Social Impact evaluated the first season of the Creating Healthy Sporting Environments Demonstration Project.
The $2 million VicHealth project, which Leisure Networks delivered in Geelong, included 78 sport clubs.
“We tried to keep it practical, holding forums with local nutrition experts on how to prepare and provide healthy options without wasting time or money,” Ms McGill said.
“Canteen healthy options are of real interest to local clubs and they’re keen to get some assistance to tackle cultural change.”
Geelong Softball Association secretary Kristy Linehan said clubs embraced the program.
“Softball is a dying sport and the biggest challenge for us is increasing participation.
“The opportunity to change our environment to be more relaxed and friendly encouraged culturally and linguistically diverse families to join.
“We also get a financial bonus for completing sections of the program, which helps us as a fringe sport.”
Ms Linehan said softball clubs now had welcome signs in different languages and introduced a colour coded food system used in school canteens scared people away because we were so united – it could be intimidating for new people.