The Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department is offering free vending assessments to employers in Douglas County in partnership with WorkWell Lawrence, a group of community members working to improve health in the workplace.

Kansas University students in the Department of Health, Sport and Exercise Sciences will join staff to evaluate foods and beverages in vending machines based on their healthfulness. They also will look at labeling to see whether it encourages employees and customers to make healthy choices.

Employers will receive recommendations on how to improve nutritional options, how to get employee buy-in, and how to promote the availability of healthy foods and beverages.

“Healthy employees can mean fewer sick days and lower insurance costs,” said Chris Tilden, community health director. “It also can lead to a motivated workforce.”

The vending assessments are part of the “FuelGood, Feel Good” initiative, a campaign launched in October to help residents identify healthy food and beverage options in public spaces.

According to a 2014 survey of 62 Douglas County employers, only 13 percent said they ensure 50 percent or more of vending machine food and beverages represent healthy choices, and only 23 percent said the healthy options were identified by signs or symbols.

For more information, visit fuelgoodnow.com.