Healthier Foods Initiatives Dallas County

Dallas County Public HealthCommunity Transformation GrantFebruary 2013

Focus Areas & Tools

Vending – NEMS-VWorksitesCommunity Locations

Restaurants – NEMS-RUpscale Casual

Concession – Healthy Kids Act

Vending

4 Sites Beverage vs Snack Machines Pre-scores ranged form 2% to 20% Tastings & Incentives Policy – yes or no Recognition

Pop Quiz

These variations belong to what product?

1. Original

2. Berry

3. Tropical

4. Sour

5. Riddles

6. Blenders

Pop Quiz Continued

How many grams of fat are in a

Little Debbie Honey Bun?

Seems Straightforward but . . .

Machines owned by site: Costco; Sam’sProfits to the site/benevolent entityLtd availability of green & yellow itemsLack of small quantity vendorsBaked chip machine jams “Healthier” items that don’t meet criteria

Kraft Milk Bites (5 g protein, 30% calcium, but over sat fat limit)

Good News

Site 1 – ZERO to 30%

Site 2 - 2.5% to 20%

Site 3 – 20% to 31%

Site 4 – 7.5% to ?

Food for Thought: Wellness Coalition of Iowa excellence in worksite health awards – should vending be included in criteria?

Restaurants

Reviewed 13; Working with 3 currentlyRegular Menu vs Kids MenuPre-scores ranged from 1 to 18Meetings with DietitianIncentives & Recognition

Seem Straightforward but . . .

More is better mentality “Monster Burger”Addition of Bacon to EVERYTHINGSauces and CheesesPre-dressed salad vs side & costDesignating healthy items on menu seen

as double edged swordThese are businesses; customers have to

repeatedly order it!

Good News

Site 1 – 15 to 25 pointsSite 2 – 18 to 28 pointsSite 3 – 11 to ?

Small changes can make a difference: offer wheat bread/buns; 1% or skim milk; dressing choices; fruit as substitute

Concession

Aquatic CenterNEMS-V vs. Healthy Kids ActCheck with School nutrition staff – what

do kids likeExamples – juice, flavored milk, string

cheese, go-gurt, granola/cereal barsLarger Food Item Considerations Yet to be Determined

Common Lessons

Soft Approach – Not here to take away all the “unhealthy” options; about choice

NEMS background and rationale Offer incentives/recognition whenever

possibleUtilize the expert (dietitian)

Further Information

Dallas County Public Health

peggy.stecklein@co.dallas.ia.us