Campaign gives KU ‘Better Bites’

Vending machine junkies across campus had healthier snack options this fall with the implementation of a KU campaign called “Better Bites.”

KU’s vending contractor, Treat America, worked with university representatives and members of HOMEBASE, a campuswide task force developed in 2000, to provide healthier options for students who eat on the run.

“Our task force believed that students wanted healthier food options on campus, both in the vending machine venue and in campus dining locations,” said Ann Chapman, a dietitian with Student Health Services and task force coordinator.

HOMEBASE, an acronym for Healthy Options for Movement, Exercise, Body Acceptance and Savvy Eating, proposed the Better Bites initiative to provide vending machine alternatives for people seeking fewer calories, less fat and less sugar in their snack foods.

This fall, the task force implemented a policy that required each vending machine on campus to carry at least eight Better Bites items rotated on a monthly basis.

Better Bites selections are identified by a logo and include granola bars, trail mix, baked chips, pretzels, peanuts, sunflower seeds and animal crackers.

The vending machine changes were the second phase of the HOMEBASE campaign.

“Fresh and Hearty” food items, also identified by a logo, are main entrees offered at KU food service locations and in housing food service that contain less fat and calories.

Fresh and Hearty entrees meet American Heart Association guidelines by limiting fat to 30 percent of total daily calories based on a diet of 2,000 calories and 65 grams of fat per day.

They contain fewer than 600 calories and 24 grams of fat per serving.
Michael Myers, assistant manager of food services for the KU Memorial Unions, said the two programs were a good way to satisfy the desires of KU students, faculty and staff.

“There always has been a demand for a healthier alternative product,” he said. “The new campaign is a good opportunity to promote these healthy items.”