by Nick Delgado

Guam - Seeking healthier lifestyles for government employees as well as other consumers, Senators Dennis Rodriguez Jr. and Tom Ada introduced legislation that provides convenient access to health snack foods and drinks from vending machines in GovGuam facilities. A news release from the senator's office states, health studies for the territory show 61.2 percent of adult's are either overweight or obese. Bill 285 will mandate all machines designed to dispense food or beverages located in government owned or leased spaces must follow guidelines in promoting good nutrition. The measure essentially promotes low sodium items and diet sodas.

Rodriguez states, "It is important to provide alternative healthy snacking options given the increasing rate of obesity and unhealthy weight gain. This has contributed to higher costs of health care on our island. If we can start with government-owned premises, I am hoping that private companies will also be inspired to provide their employees a convenient healthy choice of foods."