CITY OF HAWAIIAN GARDENS
CITY COUNCIL
STAFF REPORT
Agenda Item #B3
DATE: June 10, 2026
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Ernesto Marquez, City Manager
BY: Joseph Jimenez, Recreation and Community Services Director RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation to receive and file a report regarding healthy eating options and nutrition guidelines for youth programs offered by the City of Hawaiian Gardens to support the City’s existing Food and Beverage Policy-Resolution No. 063-2013.
SUMMARY
This staff report is to support the existing Food and Beverage Policy (Resolution No. 063- 2013) to give guidance to staff regarding types of healthy snacks and food options that can be served during programming.
The City of Hawaiian Gardens offers a variety of youth programs and recreational activities throughout the year, including after-school programs, day camps, youth sports, teen programs, and special events. These programs provide an opportunity to encourage healthy eating habits and promote overall wellness among youth participants.
The purpose of this report is to establish clear selections of healthy snack options and sample snack menus that can be used as a guide for staff.
These guidelines are intended specifically for City youth programs serving participants ages 0–17 years old. Programs may include, but are not limited to:
• After-school programs
• Day camps
• Youth sports programs
• Teen programs
• Recreation classes
• Youth enrichment activities
Agenda Item #B3
June 10, 2026
The proposed guidelines are not intended to prohibit occasional treats during approved celebrations or special activities. Citywide special events, birthday celebrations, youth sports closing ceremonies, holiday events, and family-oriented community events may be granted exceptions to serve food items outside of these guidelines with prior approval from the Director of Recreation and Community Services.
HEALTHY SNACK OPTIONS
Fruits and Vegetables
• Apple slices
• Bananas
• Oranges or mandarins
• Grapes
• Watermelon slices
• Baby carrots
• Celery sticks
• Cucumber slices
Protein and Dairy Options
• String cheese
• Low-fat yogurt
• Hard-boiled eggs
• Sunflower seed butter packets
• Cheese and whole grain crackers
Whole Grain and Low Sugar Snacks
• Granola bars (low sugar)
• Whole grain crackers
• Pretzels
• Rice cakes
• Popcorn (lightly salted)
• Oatmeal bars
Agenda Item #B3
June 10, 2026
Beverage Options
• Bottled water
• Infused water
• Low-fat milk
• 100% fruit juice (limited portions)
FOODS AND BEVERAGES NOT APPROVED
Staff recommends reducing the routine distribution of foods and beverages that contain excessive amounts of sugar, unhealthy fats, sodium, and artificial ingredients. Examples include:
High Sugar Foods and Beverages
• Candy
• Gummies and sugary fruit snacks
• Donuts, pastries, or Cookies with Excessive frosting or filing • Regular soda
• Energy drinks
• Sugary sports drinks
High Fat and Fried Foods
• Hot Cheetos and similar spicy chips
• Potato chips
• Fried snack foods
• Fast food items
• Deep-fried foods
• High-fat microwave snacks
High Sodium Processed Snacks
• Instant noodles
• Processed packaged snacks with high sodium
• Oversized snack portions
• Highly processed meat snacks
Agenda Item #B3
June 10, 2026
Other Foods Recommended not to be served.
• Foods containing excessive artificial coloring or additives • Foods with little nutritional value commonly referred to as “junk food”
SAMPLE WEEKLY SNACK SCHEDULES
Sample Schedule – Youth Programs
Day Snack Option Beverage
Monday Apple slices and string cheese Water
Tuesday Whole grain crackers and yogurt Water
Wednesday Bananas and pretzels Water
Thursday Baby carrots with ranch dip Water
Friday Granola bar and orange slices Water
Providing healthier snack and beverage options during City youth programs supports the health and wellness of participants while encouraging positive lifelong habits. The proposed nutritional guidelines will assist staff in promoting balanced snack choices and reducing the availability of foods high in sugar, fat, and sodium throughout City youth programs serving youth ages 0–17 years old, while still allowing flexibility for approved special events and celebrations.
FISCAL IMPACT
The implementation of healthier snack options may result in minor increases in program supply costs depending on food selections and participation levels. Staff will continue to evaluate cost-effective purchasing options, grants, partnerships, and donations when feasible.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve Recommendation.
ATTACHMENTS
A. Resolution No. 063-2013 Food and Beverage Policy