Waterloo Little League has partnered with the Seneca County Health Department (SCHD), utilizing the Creating Healthy Schools and Communities grant, to support a healthier concession stand at their ballpark. With no formal nutrition standards, the concession stand has turned to United States Department of Agricultures (USDA)’s Smart Snacks guidelines for their packaged snacks. Written Food Service Guidelines (FSGs) were adopted by the league’s board of directors that include a minimum percentage of items to meet Smart Snack guidelines.
We were so excited to be able to offer healthy options to our players, families, and volunteers,” said Tim Smith, Waterloo Little League Board President. The health and well-being of our Little League community is always at the heart of what we do.”
With the new menu came a need for new equipment. Little League worked with the SCHD to purchase a new merchandiser refrigerator, reach-in freezer, display rack, and countertop fruit baskets. The newly reconfigured concession stand also features two digital menu boards that highlight the new options and display nutrition messaging. Nutrition information is also accessible to consumers via QR codes for all products.
Upgrade plans for the 2025 season are already being considered. Bread products, like rolls and buns, may be switched to whole wheat. While many popular fried foods (French fries, chicken tenders, and mozzarella sticks) remain on the menu, switching from a deep fryer to an air fryer would make the items healthier while reducing costs and improving safety.
“The Seneca County Board of Supervisors is proud of the work our Health Department continues to accomplish with the Creating Healthy Schools and Communities grant, said Michael Enslow, Seneca County Board of Supervisors Chairman. “We are supportive of the community collaborations that help prevent chronic disease for all residents of our County.”
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