LETHBRIDGE – Tyson Penrod considers himself a health buff. The Grade 10 student from Chinook High competes in triathlons and is a well-rounded athlete.
“Athletes need fuel to perform, and that’s my goal: to make sure everyone is eating healthy,” said Penrod.
Penrod is among a group of young people representing student wellness teams from Chinook High School and Catholic Central. On Monday night, the group shared their vision of healthy food at public facilities in council.
“It’s a group of about 20 students and we come together on Thursdays, and we discuss how we can improve health and well-being of school,” added Penrod.
The City of Lethbridge commended the students for their presentation.
“I think we really need to take action on what they are asking for, and so the leisure community is going to come back and see what they can implement in the facility,” said Lethbridge councillor Ryan Parker.
Penrod is encouraging the city of Lethbridge to offer more salads and smoothies, rather than burgers and fries served at city-owned venues. He’s targeting the new leisure centre across the street from the high school.
“The big thing, to me, is a teacher approached me and took his daughter to a volleyball game, and they were offered chicken and French Fries,” said Penrod.
Both the public and Catholic school systems have worked with AHS to provide nutritional options for students, but Parker admits it’s all about choices.
“As long as there is options to say that there is not a choice of food besides healthy,” said Parker.
“I don’t think people would buy into it, but they do expect their city services will offer something that’s more healthy. Maybe not 10 percent of menu but more like 50 percent.”
Comments