Local restaurants join Public Health in promoting healthier menus

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Vancouver, WA –Three more Clark County restaurants have been recognized as “Healthy Neighborhood Restaurants” by Clark County Public Health. 4Caminos, La Bottega and Provecho earned the recognition by meeting specific criteria for healthier side dishes, kids’ meals and beverages as well as adding smaller portions of some regular menu items. The menu changes are part of the Healthy Neighborhood Restaurant Program, designed to help local, non-chain restaurants meet consumers’ health needs. The program began in 2012 with grants from Kaiser Permanente and the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Public Health staff and local restaurant owners formed an advisory committee to develop eligibility criteria and menu guidelines for participating restaurants. For their commitment to healthier menus, restaurants receive public recognition from Clark County, marketing materials to promote healthy options, advice on menu modifications and access to research and information. Chefs receive free training on how to reduce sodium and calories without sacrificing flavor. “These restaurants are positioning themselves to meet a growing consumer demand for healthy places to eat,” said Melissa Martin, a community health specialist who plans to expand the program to more restaurants and worksites this year. For more information, contact Melissa Martin at (360) 397-8000 ext. 7291 or melissa.martin@clark.wa.gov or follow the program on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/cchealthyrestaurants.