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- calendar_today November 2, 2026
Push for Healthier Food in Saskatchewan Sports Venues
Across Saskatchewan, sports arenas and recreational facilities are famous not just for the games they host, but also for their canteen menus—menus that have traditionally been dominated by deep-fried and less nutritious options. Now, researchers at the University of Saskatchewan are leading efforts to change that food culture, making it easier for children and their families to access healthier choices while attending sports events.
Concerns Over Current Food Offerings
Carol Affleck, who frequently attends her grandchildren's weekend sports events in the Saskatoon area, observes that nutritious food is hard to find at these venues. "Basically at hockey rinks you would see deep fried food: french fries, chicken nuggets, hot dogs, burgers, that sort of thing," she said. Often, vending machines are the only alternative, further limiting healthy options.
University of Saskatchewan Leads Nutrition Research
Hassan Vatanparast, a professor of nutrition and public health at the University of Saskatchewan, is at the forefront of a research team dedicated to promoting healthier eating at youth sports venues. He noted, "Traditionally we know that when you go to a recreational facility, watching a game or doing activity after [there are] hot dogs or any unhealthy items. Now, how we can change that culture?" The group's work includes re-examining common offerings like crispy chicken, exploring ways to prepare them with healthier cooking methods while maintaining their appeal.
Community Partnerships and New Menu Options
The University of Saskatchewan researchers are collaborating with local partners to bring these changes to life. They have recently partnered with the City of Moose Jaw to introduce healthier menu items at the Kinsmen Sportsplex. The canteen at this facility is preparing to feature new healthier options within just a couple of weeks.
Meanwhile, some arenas have already seen success with nutritious choices. At a Melfort arena, Regina Bautista, owner of RR & 3A's Cafe, has been selling warm, homemade dishes inspired by Asian cuisine alongside traditional fare. Offerings such as dumplings, salad rolls, and cut fruit have become popular, at times selling out. Bautista explained, "They always compliment it … Sometimes we run out of the stocks because they're very very popular." She emphasizes balancing both the classics and healthier selections on her menu.
Trainers and Parents Support the Shift
Interest in healthier canteen options extends to coaches and parents. Rob Morrison, who operates Little Kickers and coordinates youth soccer lessons, faces challenges finding healthy snacks for his own three children during busy schedules. He and other parents often resort to packing their own food, highlighting a gap in facility offerings. Morrison believes that since sports centres are places promoting physical health, the food available should reflect and support that goal. "One of the reasons we put our kids in sports is it helps them to develop as human beings, not only as athletes but as people and to be able to grow and mature," he said.
The Road Ahead for Healthy Food Culture
As more facilities and food service providers embrace this movement, there is optimism that sports venues will soon provide a wide array of healthy snacks and meals to meet the needs of young athletes and their supporters. The combined efforts of researchers, municipalities, canteen owners, and community advocates could transform the food culture in Saskatchewan’s recreational facilities, making athletic health a priority both on and off the field.
Source: cbc.ca.
