Release Date: August 27, 2009
Contact: Christine Patmon, Metro Health Public Relations Manager, 207-8638
Metro Health and Pico de Gallo Unveil First Initiative of Healthy Restaurants Coalition
City, County and State leaders support effort to address obesity and diabetes
In the first City effort of its kind to reign in spiraling obesity and diabetes rates, a San Antonio restaurant is voluntarily transforming its kid’s menu to offer lighter, healthier and appropriately-sized options. Elected officials representing the City, County and State voiced their support of the initiative today as members of Metro Health and the owner of Pico de Gallo unveiled the restaurant’s new healthier kid’s menu.
The selection of improved options is the first initiative of the Healthy Restaurants Coalition, spearheaded by Metro Health in partnership with the San Antonio Restaurant Association (SARA) and other stakeholders. Over the past six months, the coalition has worked with Pico de Gallo’s owner and staff to develop this pilot project. The result is 20 healthier menu items, including entrees, sides, desserts and drinks, that each contains less than five grams of fat.
“It is a proven fact that eating healthier is one of the keys to preventing obesity, diabetes and other related chronic conditions,” said Dr. Fernando Guerra, director of health. “Our goal is to slow the rate of these growing epidemics through instilling the practice of healthy eating in our families, especially our children.”
“One in five young people in this state is considered obese. An entire generation will be burdened by chronic diseases like diabetes and high blood pressure before
they even reach 18 unless we take action now. Initiatives like the Healthy Restaurants Coalition will help our families and community combat obesity,” said Senator Leticia Van de Putte, District 26.
“What I find most encouraging is not only the success in getting this pilot project off the ground but the voluntary nature of it brought about through Metro Health and its partnerships. When entities are willing to work together for the greater good, tremendous things happen,” said Mayor Julian Castro.
Metro Health worked with SARA to organize the Healthy Restaurants Coalition. The coalition includes public health professionals, local restaurateurs, registered dietitians, local chefs, educators and marketing professionals interested in promoting healthy food and good nutrition in San Antonio.
“Our restaurant has been a trailblazer in a number of areas because our family believes in giving back to the community,” said Ruben Cortez, owner of Pico de Gallo and a SARA board member. “But this has truly been a special project with all of these resources at our fingertips. I am proud to be on the forefront of this effort and look to my industry peers to join us.”
Pico de Gallo’s staff worked with local dietitians and health educators to analyze the content of the restaurant’s menu items. The team then selected portion sizes appropriate for children; added foods with lower fat and drinks with less than 10 grams of added sugar; and changed the cooking methods for some items.
The San Antonio Restaurant Association is encouraging its other members to create healthier menu items for adults and children by utilizing the resources of the Healthy Restaurants Coalition. Anyone interested in learning more about the coalition should contact Kathy Shields at 207-6030 or click here.
