Week begins with free samples of Healthy Options at “Taste of Health” event at Northland Workforce Training Center
For the second year running, the Independent Health Foundation is rolling out Healthy Options Restaurant Week in Western New York. After a super successful launch in 2023, this highly anticipated event is set to make an even bigger splash this year, starting Monday, March 4 with a free Taste of Health event being held from 6-8 p.m. at the Northland Workforce Training Center (683 Northland Ave., Buffalo, N.Y. 14211).
Healthy Options Restaurant Week is the culmination of Independent Health Foundation’s Healthy Options Buffalo program, which has been in place for two decades. This year’s event – presented by the Independent Health Foundation, Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, Buffalo Urban League Young Professionals, and the food delivery service appétit – coincides with the start of National Nutrition Month.
For those of us who are always on the hunt for healthier food options at local restaurants, or anywhere else for that matter, Healthy Options Restaurant Week is an excellent way to learn about healthier food options in Buffalo.
“For two decades, the Healthy Options Buffalo program has helped the community make informed choices about healthy eating and we’re excited to once again highlight that work through Healthy Options Restaurant Week,” said Carrie Meyer, Executive Director of the Independent Health Foundation. “It’s going to be a great opportunity for families to try a healthy spin on their favorite foods – like grilled cheese, burgers, and pizza. We hope it will show people there’s no need to sacrifice flavor and fun when dining out.”
“As research continues to show evidence of the impact of food and diet on health outcomes, we are proud to work with community-based partners, like the Independent Health Foundation, to create educational resources about, and access to, nutritious meal options,” said Beth Machnica, Director of Health & Well-Being for the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus. “We hope Healthy Options Restaurant Week serves as a catalyst for Western New Yorkers to learn that it is possible to nourish yourself with tasty, healthy food and enjoy local restaurants.”
Participating restaurants include (menu items subject to change):
Avenue 29 Foods: Salsa + Chips; Grilled Chicken and Roasted Tomato with Pesto on Ciabatta with House Side Caesar Salad; Avocado Chocolate Pudding
Bratts Hill: Blackened Salmon; Coconut Sorbet
Buffalo Plant Burger: Grilled Jackfruit Veggie Kabobs; Buffalo Plant Veggie Burgers; Gluten-Free Brownies
Carine’s Caribbean Cuisine: Caribbean Chicken Soup; Brown Stew Chicken
CEOKitchen: Smoked Pineapple Salmon Bruschetta Cups; Southwestern Quinoa Salad with Smoked Chili Grilled Chicken
The Cheesy Chick: Gluten-Free and Vegan Tomato Soup; Pesto Grilled Cheese on Wheat; Fruit Bowl
Fresh Catch Poke: All Signature Bowls
Giacobbi’s Cucina Citta: Burrata Salad; Pasta Rapini.
Green Eats Kitchen and Juice Bar: “Cream” of Celery Soup; Sizzling Buffalo Tofu Quinoa Bowl; Chocolate Hazelnut Avocado Pudding
Mario’s Bistro and Brews: Beans & Greens; House Salad with Grilled Lemon Chicken
Mister Pizza Elmwood: Vegan Pizza; Veggie Delight Pizza
New Jewel of India: Chicken Tikka; Chana Saag
Sto Lat Bar: Steak Tartare; Teriyaki Shiitake
Sunshine Vegan Eats: Kale Salad; Veggie Stir Fry
Undergrounds Coffee House & Roastery: Kaldi Salad
Venus: Hummus with Pita; Greek Salad with Chicken
In order to ensure that all of the Taste of Health menu items meet the nutritional aspirations of Healthy Options Restaurant Week, a registered dietitian from the Independent Health Foundation has analyzed each of the menu items to ensure that they are in line with acceptable levels of calories, fat, saturated fat, and sodium. The free event will include live cooking demonstrations, health screenings, and educational components.
“Additionally, many of the participating restaurants are donating a portion of their Healthy Option menu item sales to the Independent Health Foundation’s Healthy Options at Home program, which provides families in need with access to fresh food and healthy cooking resources. Diners can also support the program by making donations at each participating restaurant or online.” – Healthy Options Restaurant Week
For more details, visit Healthy Options Restaurant Week online at healthyoptionsbuffalo.com/restaurantweek.
To see a list of all of the restaurants participating in Healthy Options Restaurant Week, click here.
Healthy Options | Buffalo is a community resource to help people make more informed decisions while eating at home and dining out. Collaborates with local restaurants and food trucks to provide healthy food choices to the public.
Lead image: Photo by Deryn Macey
The post Healthy Options Restaurant Week returns to Western New York March 4-10 appeared first on Buffalo Rising.