Smart Meals for ME: Menu labeling movement among local non-chain restaurants

Portland, Maine, is working through the CPPW grant to advance obesity prevention through menu labeling and media.

59% of Maine adults are overweight or obese. Menu labeling has been supported by major health associations and was included in the 2010 health care reform bill as an approach to reducing obesity. In addition, as many as eight in ten (84%) Americans support menu labeling in restaurants.

Through an obesity prevention grant from the Department of Health and Human Services, Smart Meals for ME, a local menu labeling initiative, was created in the greater Portland, Maine area. Smart Meals for ME offers local, non-chain restaurants free assistance with menu labeling including meeting with a Registered Dietitian, nutrition analysis of menu items, assistance reprinting menus with new calorie information and restaurant promotion.

Social media is used to promote participating restaurants and provide basic education on calories and menu labeling. At the same time, a statewide media campaign is being launched including Smart Meals for ME promotion and education regarding recommended daily caloric intake. Resources and materials have been developed that allow consumers to advocate for menu labeling in their favorite restaurants.

Evaluation of Smart Meals for ME will occur through comparison of sales data before and after menu labeling and a post menu labeling survey completed by restaurant owners.