I was delighted to discover that an event called “Mission Nutrition” was taking place at the Orlando Science Center last weekend. Since I’m an author, life coach and health advocate, my girlfriend and I decided to visit the event in hopes of learning something new and meeting some other health conscious people.
Having never been to the science center, I had no idea what to expect, but I was instantly impressed with the ease of parking and the realistic cypress swamp complete with turtles and alligators that welcomed guests into the lobby. Furthermore, we were delighted that admission was only $10 per couple rather than the usual $17 per adult thanks to sponsorship from WalMart. Many families took advantage of the deal and attended this event which we quickly discovered was geared primarily towards children.
The science center was buzzing with activity and boasted a plethora of interactive scientific displays illustrating different phenomena. For the “mission nutrition” event, there were additional displays of the human body, biology trivia, literature and displays expressing the importance of a good diet, exercise and healthy lifestyle. However, the most surprising display was on the fourth floor. The title of the theme for the fourth floor was “eating right!”, but ironically the only food vendor on this floor was serving none other than hot dogs, potato chips and Coke products. That’s right – they were serving the absolute worst food choices for “nutrition” at a “mission nutrition” event on the floor where the specific theme was “eating right!”
I was so awestruck by this oxymoron that I felt compelled to walk directly to the front of the long line of children and their parents who were waiting to partake in the “food” and ask the vendor point blank why he was serving such unhealthy fare at a healthy event. He looked at me with disdain, shook his head and literally laughed at me – as if I was the one in the wrong!
I was so bothered by this callous display and disregard for the entire meaning of “mission nutrition” that we immediately left the event, but not before vocalizing our opinion to two museum staff members. The staff members, who shall remain nameless, were kind enough to listen to my complaint and then share their own interesting commentary on the debacle.
“Clearly we didn’t think things through thoroughly before selecting vendors for the event” was the initial response to my question of why the museum would allow such food to be served at a health event. The same employee later recanted and defended the situation by stating “well, it really boils down to what is going to sell at an event.”
Well, his statement sums up my sentiments entirely on the American attitude about health and nutrition. Most of us are more concerned about what is cheap, convenient and “tastes good” rather than what is truly good, healthy and “convenient” for our bodies. Moreover, we often ignore our bodies and our health entirely – throwing caution and prevention to the wind – until we have a problem. Then we seek out cures and quick fixes and complain about the rising cost of health care. This sick cycle must cease.
The other museum employee defended the vendor’s selection by stating that “it’s up to people to use their own judgment and common sense.” I agree; however, if you are going to host an educational event which boasts “mission nutrition” and targets children – then for goodness sake – live up to the title of the event and at least give them some healthy options! I equate your vendor’s food selection at the event to serving alcohol at an Alcoholics’ Anonymous meeting!
I implore such reputable entities as the Orlando Science Center to make better choices when educating the public about nutrition. Put the almighty dollar aside for once and think about what is truly good for the public and not what is good for sales. In my professional opinion, you really missed the boat on this event and the event was truly “missin’ nutrition”.
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