A program focusing on creating a healthier Marion has named six local eateries as GOLD Plate Restaurants. The award signifies the restaurants offer healthier menu options.
Earlier this summer, the Creating Healthy Communities program, led by Amy Gorenflo at Marion Public Health, mailed a survey to area restaurants. The survey’s questions centered on healthy menu options and those that scored 75% or better will be receiving the “GOLD Plate Restaurant” award.
The “GOLD” in GOLD Plate stands for Great Options in Lower-fat Dining. The purpose of the program is to recognize local restaurants that are making efforts to offer healthy menu choices to their patrons.
The survey does not focus on a restaurant’s unhealthy options but considers healthier alternatives they offer. The survey included questions about options providing lower-fat side dishes, dressings, and entrees; whole grains options; items prepared without salt and cholesterol free egg substitutes or egg whites for dishes.
This year, 14 restaurants completed surveys and six are being awarded the “GOLD Plate” distinction.
This year’s GOLD plate recipients are Subway (Marion-Mount Gilead Road), Subway (North Main Street), Subway (Wal-Mart), Panera Bread, Infinity Restaurant, and Denny’s.
These restaurants will be receiving a window cling (similar to the image above) for display at their establishment. This will signify to the public that the GOLD Plate restaurant they are dining at offers healthier options.
Marion Public Health’s Registered Dietitian, Abbey Trimble, is optimistic about the future of the GOLD Plate program.
“I believe there are many additional restaurants in Marion that qualify for GOLD Plate status and we hope to continue to grow this program and increase participation in the coming years," stated Trimble. "We also hope the program will lead to other food establishments considering their menu options and make changes to offer healthier alternatives to patrons.”
Trimble also goes on to explain how to make healthier choices when dining out.
“Ask for sauces, dressings and gravies on the side," explained Trimble. "Also, choose items or entrees that have been baked, broiled, or grilled instead of fried. Just these few changes can cut a tremendous amount of fat out of any meal.”
The Creating Healthy Communities Coalition was formed and began meeting monthly in February, 2010 with the main goal of chronic disease prevention, specifically diabetes, cancer, heart disease, stroke and chronic lower respiratory disease. The 48 member coalition is made up of community leaders and non-profit organizations, as well as representatives from workplaces, schools and healthcare facilities.
If you have any questions about the program please contact Amy Gorenflo at Marion Public Health at [email protected].
