Placing a winner
Western District Netball Association focussed on placement when making a few simple changes at their club canteen to promote healthier options.
The Western District Netball Association has been operating for almost 50 years, after being first established in 1974. The association has had a canteen from the very beginning, which started in an old shed and is now a refurbished self-serve canteen run by paid canteen workers. The association is made up of 12 affiliated clubs with over 2,700 members. The canteen operates every Saturday during netball season, and during competitions and carnivals.
Placement is key
After getting support from the board to work on the A Better Choice Strategy for Sport and Recreation, the association choose to start with one simple change, placement.
The association already had many healthier options available, but they were not placed in a way that assisted their members and visitors to see them.
Healthier options get put in the spotlight
The healthier options available at the association canteen include,
- Fresh whole fruit and fruit salad cups
- Muesli and yoghurt cups
- Vegetable sticks and dip
- Cheese and crackers
- Sandwiches and Wraps
- Salads
- Sushi and Rice paper rolls
With some newly acquired display fridges the canteen was able to shine a spotlight on the healthier options for all to see, putting healthier options front and centre at eye level. Whilst tucking away the less healthy items so they are not seen first by customers.
Tips for placement
The association found several ways to help place and sell healthier canteen options successfully:
- Place healthier items at eye level in front facing display cabinets and fridges
- Use transparent packaging to show the product clearly to members and visitors
- Position drinks fridge front and centre next to the healthy food options, featuring water only.
‘Since we made the changes, we have had so many positive comments from players and their families’.
-Paula Sale, President