Mayor O'Reilly, Beaumont Health, and representatives of the Healthy Dearborn coalition action team 'Healthy Foods' presented the first 13 restaurants in Dearborn that have met the criteria set forth by the Healthy Foods action team. The healthy restaurant criteria was developed by research done by Healthy Dearborn and a registered dietitian.
The initiative is designed to encourage restaurants to provide healthier options to customers.
To receive bronze recognition a healthy restaurant must include at least 30 percent of meals made from options such as whole food ingredients, no preservatives, low-fat/low-sugar, rBGH-free kid’s milk and have at least one vegetarian option.
For silver status, restaurants must meet the bronze criteria and at least four additional criteria. Those include fresh fruit as a dessert option, alternative oil options, one vegan entree, beverage options such as unsweetened teas or infused waters, lifestyle options (halal, kosher, low carbohydrate) and/or allergy-free options.
For gold awards, restaurants have to achieve silver status and at least four options such as organic ingredients, pasta grain alternatives, locally sourced ingredients or partnerships with a local food banks for unused food.
In addition to a certificate of recognition, the restaurants receive a decal for their status level to display in the window of their business. This decal will help residents easily recognize those restaurants that meet the healthy restaurant criteria.
The first thirteen restaurants recognized are:
Gold Level:
- Brome Modern Eatery
- Picasso Restaurant Group
- Mint 29
Silver Level:
- Al-Ameer Dearborn
- Andiamo
- Frida's
- Habib's Cuisine
- La Pita
- Lue Tahi
- M Cantina
- Sahara
- TRIA
Healthy Dearborn is a coalition between Beaumont Health, the City of Dearborn, Dearborn Public Schools and other organizations. Healthy Dearborn promotes healthy eating and active lifestyles for Dearborn residents while working to build a culture of health where everyone enjoys equal access to healthy foods, health care, green space and opportunities for safe, active living.
SODA is a represented member of the Healthy Dearborn coalition.
