Personnel time, cost and weight—all three have been reduced thanks to a now year-old wellness program benefitting the Lakeway Police Department, according to a report from Lakeway Police Chief Todd Radford.

The Healthy Police Meals program began in June 2018 and is a cooperative effort between the Lakeway Police Foundation and H-E-B through which H-E-B prepares for officers heart-healthy meals paid for by the LPF at a monthly cost of $1,517 per month.

Radford’s report, discussed during the June 17 City Council meeting, stated so far the LPF has contributed $16,435 to the program and recommended City Council acknowledge and continue the program. Council also voted unanimously to continue the monthly donation during the meeting.

“The addition of this nutritional component to the wellness program has saved police personnel time and provided them a cost savings,” Radford said in his report. “In addition, some personnel have started to experience weight loss due to the change in nutrition as provided by this program.”

Because of a Lakeway policy implemented October 2018 mandating any donation to the city above $2,000 be brought before City Council, Radford stated he feels it fitting to bring the program before council for acknowledgement even though the program was in effect prior to the new policy.

During the June 17 meeting, council also recognized the LPF along with the Lake Travis Lions Club for their efforts in improving Lakeway’s outdated animal shelter.

"It's a much more secure, much more sanitized, much safer facility than it was before," Radford said.

The project was completed in February and included a new central heating and air conditioning system, new security cameras, improved kennels, and new paint, flooring and shelving.

City information states the LPF hired Jonathan White Construction to complete the project, which carried a total cost of $22,945.