National Parks Service Announces Healthier Food Options at Parks

The National Park Service has announced a new plan for healthy food choices as part of their Healthy and Sustainable Food Program.

USA Today reported that some of the healthy food options will include bison hot dogs, grass-fed beef, black bean sliders, fish tacos, lentil soup, fresh tomato soup and local produce from nearby farms.

The parks won't fully get rid of unhealthy food and will have options such as hot dogs and ice cream on hand. For the initiative the parks worked with companies that supply food and beverages to come up with healthy food options.

"There's no reason you should have to take a vacation from healthy eating when you're on vacation," says Jonathan Jarvis, director of the National Park Service to USA Today."Going outside to visit a national park has a lot of benefits. You can spend time with your family. You can get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. You can learn about nature and American history.

"You're taking a walk to get a little exercise. You're breathing fresh air, hearing the birds. It has physical and mental benefits. If you want to maximize that health benefit, we need to provide you an opportunity to eat healthy food."

"Our national parks are renowned around the world for their breath-taking landscapes and important cultural and historical sites," Interior Secretary Sally Jewell said in a statement "Today, as part of the administration's efforts to promote healthier lifestyles, we are making sure that great food is always an option for national park visitors."

Parks that are part of the initiative include the Grand Canyon South Rim which has vegetarian options and has French fry substitutes such as fruits and vegetables in kids meals.

At Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming, Idaho and Montana, they use Mnotana lentils and split peas in their soups, salads and entrees. Lu Harlow, Xanterra's director of food and beverage at the park said to USA Today, "We buy lamb and grass-fed beef from several nearby ranches which use no growth hormones or antibiotics."