Better Bites, Better Gulps: Workplace Wellness Through Healthy Vending

About the Program

Category: Health (Best in Category)

Year: 2015

Maricopa County identified an opportunity to promote its culture of wellness by improving the health value of food and beverage options in the workplace. Through a cross-departmental collaboration, Maricopa County developed and implemented the Better Bites, Better Gulps healthy vending program. As a result of this program, vending machines in county-owned buildings have easy-to-identify healthy options that meet nutritional standards set by county nutritional experts. Survey results indicate that nearly two-thirds of respondents have changed their behaviors to make healthier vending selections as a result, leading to a decrease of 5.2 million calories consumed at work annually. Additionally, among employees who are aware of the program, nearly three-quarters have expressed a belief that the county values their health, an indication of employee satisfaction with their workplace.