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Austin Leaders Proposing Junking Junk Food


Getting rid of junk food -- it's a major trend in city halls across America. Now, Austin's leaders are looking at way to get residents to eat healthier.

Council Members Laura Morrison, Sheryl Cole and Mike Martinez proposed the resolution. If passed it would direct the city manager to develop recommendations for a local and healthy food purchasing policy for the City of Austin and a healthy vending machine policy in city buildings.

It's said that two out of three adults in Travis County are overweight. And obesity costs the United States $147 billion a year in health care.

Morrison admits her guilty pleasure is Cheetos, but says she typically brings a healthy option from home for lunch.

"If I end up buying food it ends up being a lot more calories and a lot more fat," she said.

Right now she is unaware of the cost associated with a healthy eating policy.

"It may well be that it's more expensive to provide healthy options and local options," Morrison said.

Back in November, Health and Human Services adopted a 100 percent healthy vending machine policy at no cost at all.

"There are some packaged nuts, granola bars, animal bars, some of those 100 calorie packs are popular," said Dr. Phil Huang.

All YMCA locations are doing the same.

"She usually gets the organic, low fat chocolate milk which she loves and pirate booty of course," said mother Courtney Tasker.

Morrison hopes if they follow it will improve the diets of city employees and cut down on health care costs.

City Council will vote on the resolution Wednesday.

By Christie Post