wendym   4 days later

You may need not to speed extra dollars to keep it healthy but I would prefer to have a build day with volunteers full of yummy healthy food and engery verse fast food that tends to make you full slugish. We had fruits and granola bars. Local grocery stores offer donate.

klusk   6 days later

I think wendym is right on! It's awesome for volunteers to be able to refuel with fruit during the day, and local grocery stores are often able to contribute fruit or snack bars. Another healthy option would be to research any culinary schools in the area: I was on an awesome build where a culinary college provided well-rounded boxed lunches AND fruit.

lanak   7 days later

Right on klusk! Fast food is often convenient but we all know that it is not the best option. There are a few chains that have healthy options, like Panera. Sometimes you can't get completely healthy meals but you can make substitutions in the menus to make your breakfast or lunch a little more nutrious. Look into getting baked chips, whole wheat bread, and other low in calorie snacks! Talk to your friends at a local farmers market or farm to see if they would like to donate produce!

wandakabooming   12 days later

Grocery Stores can donate all kinds of self-brand goodies like buns, condiments. This is used as a tool to let the community realize which companies are willing to give back to the community. I know that is why I shop at Food Lion, because they donated to our Park It day project.

wandakabooming   12 days later

Fruits and vegetables are expensive but they are worth it in the end. Most of the time we eat healthy at our meetings, and clean up days. We try to encourage healthy eating habits. Now once or twice a year we may order pizza, or may bring cookies. I have to admit, when the food is healthy, the work gets done quicker. When the food is junk, we take longer to accomplish our daily tasks. Sounds strange, but it is true!

kevinskolnik   21 days later

wandakabooming makes a valid point. The argument that "they are worth it in the end" is especially intriguing because of the message one sends to their community in building a playground. A playground is a means to helping kids develop healthy, active lifestyles - and healthy food on Build Day helps starts things off right. Unhealthy food is less expensive, but you get what you pay for.