The Munch Code is a program developed by the South Dakota Department of Health that strives to make choosing healthy snacks easier. This is accomplished by using a red, yellow, and green color-coding system.
- Red is assigned to foods and beverages that should be consumed on a rare occasion as they have high sugar, fat, and or calorie count.
- Yellow is given to foods and beverages that are safe to eat in moderation.
- Green is assigned to foods that are the healthiest options and can be safely consumed dailThe Munch Code Concessions Model Policy is such an excellent program because it is easy for children to understand, and it can help instill healthy eating habits at a young age.
The policy goal is to offer at least 60% green, 30% yellow, and only 10% red food and beverages. The Munch Code even offers vending and snack bar kits to businesses, and developed for adults to be used in spaces that provide vending machines or snack bar-type settings. This system is easily adapted to workplaces, churches, and even gas stations or corner stores.
Our Implementation of the Munch Code
The Wellness Coalition successfully implemented a Munch Code program at the Kershaw YMCA by helping them lower the number of red foods and drinks offered for sale.
At the beginning of this program, Kershaw YMCA offered 15 items for sale, none of which were in the “green” category. The end goal was to offer only one red item, two yellow items, and 12 green items. We gradually replaced red items with green items over the course of eight weeks to meet this goal.
At first, the green items were offered at lower prices to get the kids interested. After a few weeks, it caught on more, and the children and the parents both became excited about the healthier choices offered.
We will be working with the Cleveland Avenue YMCA to implement the Munch Code at their location, where we hope to achieve the same level of success!
Get nutrition tips and tricks right now at https://www.thewellnesscoalition.org/nutrition/.