Suffolk County, NY Concessions Mandates Well Intended but Impractical

(CHICAGO) July 31, 2014 -National Association of Concessionaires (NAC) though lauding the Suffolk County, New York Legislature on their well-intended approach to, “Adopt a leadership role in promoting good health and fighting obesity,” finds such an Orwellian mandate as Resolution #1096-2014 (a Local Law to establish healthy food standards at Suffolk County facilities) as, “Ill-conceived and destined for failure,” stated Daniel C. Borschke, FASAE, CAE, Executive Vice President of NAC.

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The legislation, adopted on Tuesday, July 29, 2014 which exempts correctional facilities, a minor league baseball stadium, a museum and the community college mandates concessionaires shall offer four (4) daily fresh fruit or vegetable choices with a minimum of one daily leafy-green salad and one vinegar-based dressing; attempt to offer salads, sandwiches and entrees that have no more than 700 calories with 25% of offerings having 550 calories or less, containing no more than 800 mg of sodium and made of whole grains while also offering at least one steamed, baked or grilled vegetable option daily and half of all soup offerings shall contain no more than 480 mg of sodium per 8 oz. serving.

Though NAC does recognize the societal epidemic among children and adults in regards to obesity, cardiovascular diseases and diabetes it would be more effective if municipalities would partner with those who relate and service customers on a daily basis on their food choices rather than mandating, “From the mount,” edicts which have proven in the past inequitable and poorly conceived as was the case in New York City and their soda cup effort.

“Choice and meeting customer needs and desires are the backbone of the US marketplace and it has been proven time and time again that industry will provide their customers what they demand. The landscape is splattered with failed enterprises that attempted to force their food and beverage desires on a less than responsive customer-base,” Borschke continues.

“NAC would welcome the opportunity to work with Suffolk County to tackle mutual dietary issues during their implementation and enforcement of the new law, cognizant of the fact that mandates can sometimes produce unanticipated results such as less interest in concession contracts, unemployed food service workers, food waste and budget deficits due to a lack of participation in county food offerings,” Borschke concluded.

Founded in 1944, NAC represents the operators and food, beverage and service suppliers in the recreation and entertainment concession industry. As a 501 C6 not for profit trade association, NAC provides advocacy, education and research for its world-wide membership.

For more information:
Chris Dammann, Director of Communications
612-849-8418
cdammann@naconline.org

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