Kids & Family

Weigh In: Healthiest Restaurants in the County

Nominations are open for the annual Golden Carrot Award, which honors eateries that promote a healthy lifestyle.

—By Megan Joseph, United Way

The Go for Health! Collaborative is pleased to announce the launch of the 2012 Golden Carrot Awards. The Golden Carrot Award was created in 2008 to recognize Santa Cruz County restaurants that have gone the extra mile to assist residents in living a healthy lifestyle. The award is given to restaurants that meet specific criteria for providing healthy food options to patrons. 

include: Alfresco in Santa Cruz, in Scotts Valley, Cabrillo College Cafeteria in Aptos, in Watsonville, Café Mare in Santa Cruz, Caffe Lucio Cucina Italiana in Santa Cruz, Charlie Hong Kong in Santa Cruz, in Santa Cruz, in Watsonville, Falafel of Santa Cruz in Santa Cruz, in Capitola, in Scotts Valley, in Soquel, Mamma Lucia's in Santa Cruz, in Watsonville, Peachwood Steakhouse in Santa Cruz, Pearl of the Ocean in Santa Cruz, Redwood Pizzeria in Felton, Reynas in Watsonville, in Watsonville, in Capitola, in Capitola, The Greek in Santa Cruz, The Galley in Watsonville and The Sequoia Retreat Center in Ben Lomond

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The growing number of children and adults who are obese or overweight has become an epidemic in our country and our local community. Overweight and obesity can lead to devastating chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke and early death. We have seen our local community impacted by this epidemic over the last decade.  .

There are several social and environmental factors that contribute to our nation’s weight problem. One major change has been the increase in consumption of food away from home. When eating out, consumers typically have less information about the calorie content and often find it more challenging to determine the healthiest options. For this reason, the Go for Health! Collaborative has partnered with the local food industry to increase healthier food choices on local restaurant menus.

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Local restaurants are invited to participate in by submitting a completed nomination form, which they recently received from the Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency. All nominations will be reviewed by members of the Go for Health! Collaborative. Golden Carrot Award winners will be awarded a Golden Carrot Award certificate to be proudly displayed in their restaurant. In addition, winners will be recognized at a community event and through local media.

About the Go for Health! Collaborative
The Go for Health! Collaborative is a broad-based collaborative in Santa Cruz County with over 150 member agencies who are seeking to increase opportunities for nutrition and physical activity that will address the high rates of childhood obesity. The collaborative has developed a comprehensive plan to work towards reducing this epidemic.


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