Following USDA dietary guidelines, foods low in fat, high in fruits, vegetables, and grains are known to prevent the development of many chronic diseases. Despite past efforts focusing on individual behavior change, few Americans have adopted eating behaviors consistent with USDA guidelines. Public health officials hypothesize that developing public-private partnerships can enact environmental change which can be an effective approach in creating and sustaining long term healthy eating behaviors. A local study indicated Surry County residents eat out almost 4 times a week. (study) This creates an ideal opportunity for public health to partner with local eating establishments to influence consumer food selection. The environmental change will be accomplished through the Winner’s Circle Campaign. The campaign is a statewide initiative in North Carolina developed to create a consistent, credible, and easily recognized nutritional guidance system for consumers. The campaign empowers local partners (i.e. eating establishments) to identify and promote heart healthy menu items. The Surry County Health and Nutrition Center will launch Winner’s Circle in a 15 county region involving 18 restaurants from March to October 2001. The campaign will consist of marketing materials, a review of the menu by a nutritionist, and highlighting of heart healthy foods currently being offered. A survey will be administered pre and post assessing food choices, demographics, and reasons for selection. Quantitative data will be available November 2001.
Learning Objectives: Objectives: The participant will be able to identify how a public-private partnership can improve nutritional behaviors The participant will be able to explain what the Winner’s Circle campaign is. The participant will be able to identify an alternative method to facilitate behavior change.
Keywords: Marketing, Nutrition
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Libby Hill Restaurants, Royall's Soda Shop, Yhano's restaurant
Disclosure not received
Relationship: Not Received.