Three Clark County restaurants were recently 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 ongoing 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.
Each restaurant will 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 about the program, contact Martin at 360.397.8000 ext. 7291 or melissa.martin@clark.wa.gov.
