The Queensland Government, through Health and Wellbeing Queensland (HWQld), has developed the ‘pick me’ promotion of healthy food and drink products during the Suncorp Super Netball season, starring the Queensland Firebirds, by working in partnership with Australian Catering Services, Netball Queensland and Nissan Arena.
The ‘pick me’ promotion is part of HWQld’s leadership of A Better Choice, a public health approach to make it easier to access healthy food and drink options at venues ranging from sport and recreation to healthcare, workplaces, restaurants, schools and remote food stores.
As part of a trial from 16 April to 11 June, ‘pick me’ stickers have been stuck on a selection of food and drink items available at Nissan Arena’s food outlets, such as salad wraps, popcorn, corn chips and avocado dip and fresh fruit, making it easier for spectators to select the healthiest options available.
Two new meal deals are also on offer, allowing spectators the opportunity to purchase a selection healthier food and drinks for themselves and their families.
HWQld Chief Executive Dr Robyn Littlewood congratulated Australian Catering Services, Netball Queensland and Nissan Arena for working with HWQld to make healthy happen for spectators.
"The ‘pick me’ promotion means this year’s netball season promises to be the healthiest ever, with Queensland Firebirds showing its supporters that nutritious meals are linked to optimum sporting achievements, and we cannot thank them enough for being inspirational role models."
Both the ‘Pick me’ promotion and A Better Choice are based on recommendations of the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating.
The guide uses a traffic light system to classify products based on nutritional value: green for best nutritional value; amber for some nutritional value; and red for limited or no nutritional value.
Food and drink products that are less nutritious according to A Better Choice and fall into the ‘amber’ and ‘red’ categories will still be available at Nissan Arena, however, they will not be actively promoted.
HWQld will also evaluate the promotion prior to the upcoming launch of ‘A Better Choice for Sport and Recreation’ to better support stadiums, sport and recreation facilities, and local sporting clubs to make healthy happen. Until then Food for Sport guidelines are recommended.
