Testimonials Parks & Recreation Department, Reference Letter I am pleased to endorse the Fraser Valley Vending Ltd. for their performance with the New Westminster Parks and Recreation Department. As of February 1, 2007, Parks and Recreation transitioned between snack food vending providers. Our decision for selecting Fraser Valley Vending was their focus on providing:
Since our transition, I have appreciated Fraser Valley Vending’s commitment to delivering a quality vending program and ensuring the satisfaction of New Westminster Parks and Recreation. In addition, the implementation of our healthy vending program has been well received by our customers, through positive feedback, and by increased sales (our gross sales, for the equivalent 2006 timeframe, have increased by 41%). I would not hesitate to recommend Fraser Valley Vending and would be pleased to answer any further questions on their performance. Sincerely, YMCA - YWCA
, Press Release Double Check Marks for Y’s New Vending Program Kelowna, May 24, 2006 – In April, the launch of the Kelowna Family YMCA-YWCA’s new Healthier Choices Vending Program by Sun Valley Vending resulted in an immediate $400 increase in sales; contrary to what most people would predict when reducing the high sugar and fat options in favour of healthier snack choices. At no time in history has the state of our children’s health been so alarming. More than one-third of Canadian kids aged two to 11 are overweight and half of those are considered obese, according to Statistics Canada. As we know, the likelihood of being overweight and obese is influenced by not just physical activity, but diet also plays an important role. “At the Kelowna Family Y, we deliver healthy and physically active programming to an average of 700 individuals each day of the year,” says, Sharon Peterson, YMCA-YWCA CEO. “But, it was clear we were falling short in an extremely important area linked to health; that is the promotion of healthy snacks in our vending machines. We needed to take a leadership role in healthier vending offerings.” A Request for Proposals for a Healthier Choices Vending Program was issued with the major premise being to make healthier choices the easier choices. The Y’s existing contractor, Sun Valley Vending, was the successful proponent. Using the “Guidelines for Food and Beverage Sales in BC Schools” (2005, BC Ministry of Education), Sun Valley Vending introduced the “Check Mark” signage system to teach children as well as adults about healthier choices. The majority of snack and beverages offered are “Choose Most” (two checks) followed by “Choose Sometimes” (one check), with lesser offerings in the “Choose Least” (neutral face) and “Not Recommended” (sad face) categories. Other changes included strategic pricing making the healthier items less expensive in comparison to comparable Choose Least or Not Recommended items; further, the coffee machine was removed and replaced with a cold snack machine offering yogurt, milk, carrots, beef jerky and more. “At Sun Valley Vending, we work to consistently deliver fresh and innovative vending services that fit the lifestyle of our customers,” comments Trevor Lowe, Sales and Marketing, Sun Valley Vending. “The Y’s request for a healthy vending program has moved our business forward in a new and exciting direction. We hope that the pilot vending program at the Y raises the bar for other vendors and locations to meet or beat us in this new healthier approach to vending.” Cathy Richards, Community Nutritionist with the Population Health Branch of Interior Health, who helped write the Ministry’s Guidelines, recently checked out the Y’s new Healthier Choices Vending program in action. “While I was there, a young girl came by and bought carrot sticks and cheese sticks; two kids bought flavoured milk; a staff member bought an energy bar; someone bought water; and a child bought a chocolate bar. That’s a really fantastic proportion of healthier choices! I’m so proud that the Y and Sun Valley Vending have set such a tremendous example that other vendors, public facilities and workplaces can follow.” says Richards. Maybe the Dietitians and health promoters are right – if you price healthy choices competitively and make them accessible, people will buy them instead of the nearby junk food choices. So far, by the success achieved with the Kelowna Family Y’s new Healthier Choices Vending Program, their prediction is right on - children and adults are making more responsible choices in the new mixed choice vending machines at the Kelowna Family Y. The media is invited to contact Suann Brown, Manager of Marketing at 765-5916 ext. 224 for a site visit of the Kelowna Family Y’s new Healthy Choice Vending Program as well as snack sampling courtesy of Sun Valley Vending. The YMCA-YWCA of the Central Okanagan’s long-term goal is to develop and implement community-based solutions to improve the health and wellness of the communities it serves. Of particular concern is the state of our children’s health. To this end, the Y is working to support our community to participate in and learn more about developing healthier lifestyles. Suann Brown YMCA-YWCA, Letter of Support Dear Trevor, As you know, the YMCA-YWCA of the Central Okanagan is committed to building strong kids, strong families and strong communities. But did you know that 1 in 5 kids at the Kelowna Family Y receive financial assistance to participate in Y programs? There is enormous need in the community and the YMCA-YWCA of the Central Okanagan is committed to making sure that no one is denied a Y experience due to financial circumstances. As you know the annual YMCA-YWCA Strong Kids Campaign is the vehicle which helps us help others. A Y experience gives children and youth the opportunity to develop self confidence, make healthy choices, feel connected and learn the skill necessary to become the leaders of today and tomorrow. Funds raised through the Strong Kids Campaign go directly to the kids, providing:
Over the past four years Y Staff, Volunteers, Members and the public have contributed a combined total of over $60,000 to the Strong Kids Campaign. This year we are raising the bar in order to meet growing needs; our goal for the 2007 campaign is $50,000. We appreciate the previous and generous support from Sun Valley Vending and we look forward to your continued sponsorship of this important campaign for the betterment of the health and wellness of our most vulnerable age group, children and youth. We would like to meet with you to elaborate on this opportunity and to answer any questions you may have; we will contact you next week. Sincerely, |
