about Eat Smart!

Eat Smart! consists of four programs:

• Eat Smart! Ontario's Healthy Restaurant Program,
• Eat Smart! Healthy School Program,
• Eat Smart! Healthy Workplace Program
• Eat Smart! Healthy Recreation Centre Program.

If you are interested in great tasting and healthy food choices, exceptional standards in food safety, and a 100% smoke-free environment - then this program is for you!

Eat Smart! is an Award of Excellence program that recognizes top Ontario restaurants, schools, workplaces and recreation centres for providing healthier environments to their customers. Your local Public Health Unit, along with the Canadian Cancer Society (Ontario Division) and the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario, award Eat Smart! locations that provide:

• A variety of healthier food choices, on the menu and by request, including vegetables and fruit, foods prepared using healthier preparation methods and substitutions
• An excellent track record in food safety and a least one full-time kitchen employee certified in safe food handling on staff
• A 100% smoke-free environment, which does not promote the sale of tobacco

Initiated in 1997, the overall goal of the program is to contribute to the reduction of food-borne illness and chronic diseases in Ontario.

Founding partners included: Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care, Canadian Cancer Society (Ontario Division), Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, Toronto Public Health, local Public Health Units, local Heart Health Programs, the food service industry and Ontario consumers.

Toronto Public Health led the program launch in 1999 with 15 health units participating. The Eat Smart! Program was transferred to the Nutrition Resource Centre in 2001.

Recognizing the changing environment and demand, Eat Smart! expanded in 2002 to include workplace and school cafeterias, which have also been met with great success.

In June 2006, Ontario's Minister of Health Promotion announced a comprehensive plan to promote healthy eating and active living across the province. Ontario's Action Plan for Healthy Eating and Active Living (include a link to the Action Plan) supports further expansion of the Eat Smart! program to include food services, such as vending machines and snack counters in recreation centers and workplaces, increasing the potential for a broad-reaching health promoting impact.

A Provincial Advisory Committee, which includes health unit representatives and the program's provincial partners, the Canadian Cancer Society (Ontario Division) and the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario, provide ongoing guidance for the program.

Eat Smart! is implemented locally by participating Ontario public health units and their community partners. Interested locations apply to the program and are assessed by health unit staff to determine eligibility. Locations that meet the three standards of excellence receive a certificate and door decal, and may also be recognized at local award ceremonies and featured in local or online dining guides. Additional promotions are determined locally.

Healthy eating, avoiding food borne illness and a smoke free environment are three of the most important lifestyle factors that help to promote optimal health. These three factors are what Eat Smart! is all about.

Eat Smart! and feel better! The choice is yours.