Ward 3 D.C. Councilmember Mary Cheh thinks that D.C. government employees (and the city’s finances) could stand to benefit from a healthier working environment — so this morning, Cheh introduced legislation which would change what goes into nearly 4,000 government vending machines across the city, as well as authorize healthy food vendors to set up shop on District property, like the Wilson Building.

“A well-structured workplace-wellness program can reduce health costs, improve morale and productivity, and improve employee recruitment and retention,” said Cheh in an emailed statement on the bill. The release also cited a study from the American Heart Association which states that 25 percent of healthcare costs incurred by working adults are due to poor diet and lack of exercise. “As we fight a citywide obesity epidemic, the District government can be a leader in improving the health of our workforce,” Cheh added.

The Examiner notes that the city will spend about $300 million on current and former employee healthcare this fiscal year, so it sounds like Cheh’s idea could save some cash. But as someone who thoroughly understands the value of a sugar rush when the pressure’s really on, let me just wish the best of luck to the poor sap who has to be the person to remove the precious, precious sugar water from the city’s vending machines. The bill was referred to the Committee on Government Operations this morning — and we hope it’s considered carefully, as the last thing we’d want is for there to be a disaster because one of the city’s employees was sent to work from home due to obesity.