Last year, the provincial government cracked down on vending machine snacks at universities, public schools, hospitals, and other public buildings.

The decision banned the sale of products in the “Not Recommended” and “Choose Least” categories of the Nutritional Guidelines for Vending Machines in B.C. Public Buildings. Apart from diabetic candies and sugar-free gum, that removed virtually all the usual junk food from vending machines: chips, pop, chocolate bars, and even yogurt-covered raisins.

Tomorrow (January 14), the Vancouver Food Policy Council will decide whether to recommend the ban be extended to junk food at community centres, pools, and other city-owned buildings.

The motion suggests that the City of Vancouver go a step further and “develop a healthy choices policy for all food sold in city-owned, municipal and recreation facilities. This includes vending machines, concession stands, cafeterias and fundraising.”