The New Restaurant Initiative

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The New Restaurant Initiative Arizona Smart
Choice Program Presented by Cindy Aron, MS,
RD Nutrition Coordinator Nutrition and Physical
Activity Program For the Arizona Nutrition
Network Partner Training Meeting Obesity
Prevention The New Frontier March 12, 2008
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History

• January 29, 2007
• State Bill 1436 introduced by Senator Amanda
  Aguirre
• To require fast-food and other chains to post
  nutrition information on menus and menu boards
• More information available at http www.azleg.gov

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History

• Spring 2007
• Senator convened group of community, health, and
  restaurant leaders stakeholders
• Statewide restaurant initiative was established

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Restaurant Initiative

• Purpose
• Raise awareness of importance of good nutrition
  when dining out
• Support restaurants in offering healthy food
  choices
• Healthier food choices in restaurants may help
  reduce the prevalence of obesity.

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Obesity in Arizona

• In 2006, 59.6 of Arizonas population was
  overweight and/or obese.
• Source Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance
  System, 2006
• From 1976-2004, the percentage of overweight
  children under age 11 years has more than
  doubled. For adolescents ages 12-19 years, the
  percentage has more than tripled.
• Source NHANES 1971-1974, 1976-1980, 1988-1994,
  2003-2004

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Arizona Smart Choice Program

• Nutrition guidelines adapted from the Colorado
  Physical Activity and Nutrition Program (COPAN)
• Marketing materials developed
• Fact Sheet
• Implementation Guide
• Brochure
• Window Decals and Menu Stickers
• Website www.azsmartchoice.com

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Nutritional Requirements
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Participation

• Only cost to restaurants is for recipe analysis.
• Once recipe is analyzed and meets criteria,
  restaurant is enrolled by ADHS/NuPA.
• Restaurant receives logo file, brochures and
  holders, two window decals and menu stickers.

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Benefits for Restaurants

• Increased business awareness and revenue
• Statewide recognition
• Placement on website list
• Certificate of appreciation of restaurants
  commitment to healthy eating

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Launch of Program

• Launch of Program is planned to coincide with
  National Nutrition Month.
• A tentative date has been set for the Press Event
  to
• officially launch the Program.

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What Can We All Do To Support the Arizona Smart
Choice Program?

• Educate clients/partners on why it is important
  to choose healthy meals when eating out.
• Encourage clients/partners to look for the
  Arizona Smart Choice logo at restaurants in the
  coming months.

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What Can We All Do To Promote the Arizona Smart
Choice Program?