Dr.
Charles Lindsey, Superintendent
02-133
Date:
November 6, 2002
Knox
County School Students Eat Hearty
St. Mary’s Health System has for several years teamed with local restaurants to help customers better identify those items that are low in fat and cholesterol. This year Knox County Schools has joined the program, which identifies low fat and cholesterol items with a heart symbol on the menu.
“Eat hearty is not fat free, low sodium, non-MSG nor low calorie,” said Mary Lou Henry, Knox County Schools food service supervisor. “Eat Hearty items are lower in fat and cholesterol and may have reduced calories through decreased fat or smaller portions.”
“Our menu items have to meet certain guidelines to receive the Eat Hearty designation,” said Henry. “The guidelines include portion size, lean cuts of meat, and mixed dishes must have less than 30% of their calories derived from fat. Salad dressings, mayonnaise, and sauces are served on the side.”
“This is an exceptional program that helps us better meet the dietary needs and preferences of our students,” she said. ”Many of our students and parents should be familiar with the Eat Hearty program as there are a number of area restaurants that participate in the program. Our Eat Hearty menu items are designated with the same heart symbol as is used by other establishments participating in the program.”
A registered dietitian evaluated all menu items for their calories, fat, and cholesterol. The dietitian provided the school system with an Eat Hearty Notebook that contains the nutritional analysis of every Eat Hearty item. This information for each menu is available to any student or parent who may request it.
30
Point of contact at Knox County Schools Public Affairs Office is Russ
Oaks, 594-1905