Park District Unveils Healthy Vending Machines

Snacks will be lower in calories, sodium, fat and sugar

You just had a workout at a Chicago Park District field house, and now you want a snack to refuel. You can forget about those fatty chips. Don't even think about sugary pastries. And sack the craving for sodium. Those snacks won't be there anymore.

The Park District is on a campaign to provide healthy snacks in its facilities. Park officials on Tuesday will unveil the first of its new healthy vending machines at the Humboldt Park Field House, 1440 N. Sacramento.

The machines will be stocked with snacks lower in calories, sodium, fat and sugar than typical vending machine fare. Gluten- and peanut-free snacks also will be available.

"As part of our commitment to supporting healthy lifestyles for Chicagoans, we are proud to be a leader in setting policy that can serve as a national model for combating obesity," said interim Chicago Park District General Superintendent Mike Kelly, "beginning with what patrons find when they're in our facilities."

The park district hopes to have 96 healthy vending machines installed in field houses across the city by the end of the year.

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