Restaurant Program Offers Healthy Choices to Diners

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Submission Date: December 2008

State/Territory Submitted on the Behalf of: Florida

States/Territories Involved: Florida

Domain Addressed:

Environmental Approaches

Public Health Issue:

  • Americans spend about half their food dollar on food prepared outside their homes in restaurants and take-out sites.
  • Restaurant meals are often high in calories and fat because of preparation methods, ingredients and the large portions offered.
  • Studies link eating out with obesity which raises the risk of developing a chronic disease such as diabetes and heart disease.

Program Action:

  • The Healthy Choices Restaurant Program, funded by Steps to a Healthier Hillsborough County in Florida, helps consumers identify local restaurants that offer sensible menu choices.
  • Three program themes related to making healthy restaurant choices – Take 1⁄2 Home, Cook to Order and Healthier Substitutions– guide diners at restaurants in the Tampa Bay area toward reducing calories and improving the nutritional content of the foods they choose.
  • Participating restaurants display the Program logo to show support for their customers’ choice to eat in a healthier way. They also agree to promote the three themes in their restaurant by adjusting their preparation methods and providing take-home packaging.
  • The Program is promoted through a website, billboards, radio and TV segments, local movie theaters and local newspaper articles.
  • Participating restaurants have access to assistance from a registered dietitian in Steps to a Healthier Hillsborough County for advice on how to implement this initiative in their restaurant.

Impact/Accomplishments:

  • Thirteen restaurants are already enrolled and recruitment for more is ongoing. This health-promoting initiative is similar to an effort begun in Pinellas County where over 250 restaurants participate.
  • This program is increasing awareness among restaurant operators that customers desire, and will order, healthier menu options.
  • Providing the services of a registered dietitian to enhance the nutritional value of prepared menu selections is a plus for the program and ensures that menu changes are actually improving the menu choices.

Program Areas:

Healthy Communities (general), Social Determinants of Health

State Contact Information:

FL
Christie Achenbach
Hillsborough County Health Department
813-307-8015 ext 6606
Christie_achenbach@doh.state.fl.us

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