Healthy Kids Choice

CX3 in Shasta County Not interested in new policies Need to maintain working relationships Be pro-business Meet restaurants where their at

The Problem Nearly 1/3 of children eat fast food every day. More likely to consume less fruits, vegetables, and milk and more fat, calories, and soda when eating out. On average, children consume nearly twice as many calories from a restaurant meal (770) than a home cooked meal (420). 0% of restaurants surveyed in Shasta County met CX3 standards.

Healthy Kids Choice Goals Encourages children’s consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and beans, while limiting intake of fat and sugar. Increase advertisement and promotion of healthier options for children.

Partners Network for a Healthy California Healthy Shasta Healthy Eating Active Communities (HEAC)

Criteria to Participate Offer and promote at least one HKC meal that includes: – Lean entrée option – Fruit, vegetable, bean or whole grain side dish – No sugar added beverage Fruit or vegetable available to substitute for french fries at no additional charge. No sugar added beverage available to substitute for soda at no additional charge. If dessert is offered, a fresh fruit option is available.

Incentive for Restaurants No cost or low cost to implement for restaurant. Registered Dietitian available to review menus. Free promotional materials provided. Free media thru HKC promotional activities. Restaurant listed on the Healthy Shasta website. Strengthen their image as a business that values the health of their customers. Attract customers looking for establishments that offer healthy choices for the whole family.

Restaurants Approached Goal is 5-10 restaurants to pilot. Started with CX3 surveyed restaurants. Also approached restaurants not surveyed within CX3 neighborhood (non-fast food). Healthy Shasta staff approaching restaurants outside of CX3 neighborhood. HEAC staff assisting with CX3 and non-CX3 restaurants.

Kids Menu 1. Cheeseburger, fries and soda 2. Grilled Cheese, fries and soda 3. Chicken Tenders, fries and soda Leatherby’s Family Creamery

Corbett’s Restaurant Kids Menu 1. Chicken nuggets & fries, soft drink or milk 2. Grilled cheese & fries, soft drink or milk 3. Hamburger & fries, soft drink or milk 4. Mickey hot cake with two pieces of bacon or sausage links or one egg 5. One egg breakfast with two pieces of bacon, sausage links and one slice of toast

Good Things Happening More healthy choices for kids Educational opportunity for restaurant owners and the community Builds relationships and trust with restaurant owners Gets me in the door to discuss further ideas and opportunities

Obstacles & Challenges Only working with local restaurants. Some restaurants only offer limited food choices, challenge to find healthy options. Difficult to reach restaurant owner/manager. No nutritional labeling, so need to make good nutritional decisions and be consistent. Difficult to get restaurants to think “outside the box” of traditional kids foods.

Evaluation Pre and post CX3 restaurant surveys. Evaluate pre and post restaurant sales data. Offer customer feedback forms.

Additional Opportunities Letter from the city to encourage new restaurants to participate in the Healthy Kids Choice program. Currently having discussions with the California Restaurant Association for support.

For More Information Karrie Isaacson, RD Shasta County Health and Human Services Agency - Public Health