In an effort to promote healthy eating, Louisville Metro Public Health and Wellness (LMPHW), with support from CDC’s Communities Putting Prevention to Work program, implemented the Healthy Hometown Restaurant Initiative to encourage restaurants to provide healthier options for their patrons. A voluntary menu-labeling resolution was implemented that included a nutrition analysis of meals with printed calorie information and recommendations for healthier menu choices.

LMPHW learned that the community’s strong social connectedness provided a benefit when trying to get restaurant owners to participate. Restaurateurs were most motivated to join if they were approached by individuals they trusted, and if those individuals thought their customers wanted the change.

Initially, LMPHW conducted community surveys through the University of Louisville and local youth, hosted professional cooking demonstrations, and attended business association meetings. These activities helped spread the word about the restaurant initiative to residents and restaurant owners. However, only restaurants located in affluent neighborhoods were responding. To engage restaurant owners in Louisville’s low-income neighborhoods, outreach coordinators conducted in-person visits to restaurants. LMPHW overcame owner hesitation by engaging champions that included a neighborhood association and the owner of a local restaurant who had previously signed on to the initiative. The champions spread the word about the Healthy Hometown Restaurant Initiative and encouraged other restaurateurs to join. Their local outreach led to five additional restaurants joining the initiative.

The goal of the Healthy Hometown Restaurant Initiative is to encourage Louisville restaurants to provide and promote healthier meal options.

Participants that have volunteered for the Healthy Hometown Restaurant Initiative include 16 restaurants with 33 locations and one caterer.

Participants that have volunteered for the Healthy Hometown Restaurant Initiative include 16 restaurants with 33 locations and one caterer.