Making sure that Augusta essential employees have access to healthy and traditional snacks and beverages in the break room is important especially during this challenging time. Offering a variety of on-site options makes it easier for employees to grab a bite to eat, enjoy a hot beverage or take a few minutes to relax.
Combine the need for easily accessible refreshment options with the challenges that employees had locating better-for-you choices before the coronavirus pandemic, and it’s easy to understand why eating healthy can be a challenge.
A recent survey conducted by the American Heart Association and Aramark, a U.S. based food service company, found that participants were more likely to choose an unhealthy lunch because of convenience (60 percent), taste preference (54 percent), and lack of ability of healthy foods (43 percent). But that doesn’t mean things won’t or can’t change. “More than 4 in 5 (82%) agree that having healthy food options at work is important to them and more than 2 in 3 (68%) value help from their employer in becoming healthier.”
While choosing better-for-you is important, there is one caveat that should be considered. Given the unprecedented stress levels that Augusta employees are under, sometimes traditional or sweet snacks, beverages and fresh food can fulfill an emotional or mental need that wouldn’t arise in normal circumstances.
Rather than assuming which products employees would like to have available, employers should survey their employees to find out. Different individuals will have different preferences that develop from a number of factors including upbringing, genetics, culture, and individual experiences.
For those Augusta employees who are looking for a better-for-you snack, that usually means a snack that has a high nutritional value or one that is high in protein, vitamins, minerals and fiber but low in calories, fat, sugar and sodium.
Ideally, a serving of a healthy snack will have between 150 and 200 calories, about 3 grams of fiber and 5 grams of protein and no more than 12 grams of fat. Choosing fiber and protein will help create a feeling of fullness while avoiding saturated fats, which raise LDL or “bad” cholesterol, can help decrease the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Whether Augusta employees are looking for better-for-you snacks and beverages, traditional options or delicious, freshly made meals, access to variety of refreshments at work is an appreciated benefit. It can also encourage essential employees to stay on-site during breaks and give them the necessary fuel and hydration to focus on their job.
Riverside Refreshments would like to help your local business, especially during this challenging time, by providing the refreshments your employees need. For more information about our micro-market and vending machine services, please contact us at 706-793-2723.