The District will spend about $300 million this year on health care-related costs for current and former city employees, an amount that could be slashed if the city can improve the health of its workers, Ward 3 Councilwoman Mary Cheh says. Cheh is planning to introduce a bill on Tuesday that would require the mayor to adopt a “workplace wellness plan” that would encourage employees to take exercise breaks and eat healthier food while in the office. Among its key initiatives would be replacing the food in 4,000 vending machines in city and federal facilities and allowing healthy food retails vendors onto District property.

“A well-structured workplace-wellness program can reduce health costs, improve morale and productivity, and improve employee recruitment and retentions,” Cheh said. “As we fight a citywide obesity epidemic, the District government can be a leader in improving the health of our work force.”