Healthy Nutrition at Work

1. Healthy Nutrition at Work Reaching Employees and the Community

2. Healthy Snack & Fruit Baskets Mecklenburg County Health Department piloted a program to improve employee access to healthy snacks and fruit during the workday. Volunteers carried the baskets to different departments so employees at workstations would also have access.

3. “Healthy Snack Time!” Selling 16 different items, some that won’t fit into vending machines, to improve employee nutrition. Always sold with a smile to brighten employees days!

4. Managing the Program • $60 of start up money was used, reimbursed within 6 weeks. • One part time employee purchases items to sell using cash from sales. • Items are distributed by interns and employee volunteers. • Baskets are available throughout the day in the Fit City office.

5. Testimonials “I appreciate the snack baskets because they come to my office.  Sometimes I'm so busy that I don't have time to get up to get something healthy.  I really like the different options and it allows me to try new items I can buy for home.  The really cool thing is that the baskets list the Weight Watchers points for each item.” Sonia Smith 

6. Testimonials "The Fit City Baskets provide access to healthy nutrition and education on proper food choices. Providing employee access to fruit and healthy snacks during the work day encourages employees to eat more fruit and think more about the snack items they eat. I like the fact that the baskets are brought to our offices a couple times a week, during the time we begin to get hungry. It help us to maintain our energy levels throughout the day to remain alert and productive." Dr. Wynn Mabry

7. Onsite Farmer’s Market Once a week a farmer brings his produce to sell to employees.

8. Fruit Array for Breakfast Amdocs, Inc. employees enjoy a colorful breakfast.

9. Afternoon Snack: Veggies ! At Amdocs, Inc. fresh vegetable trays are available for free for employees every afternoon.

10. Creating Awareness • Flyers were placed in the break rooms encouraging employees to eat more fruits and veggies. • An e-mail is sent out when the fruit or veggies are ready to eat and employees are encouraged to take a break and get a plate. • Financial barriers were removed by providing the food for free to all employees and it was seen that employees choose fruit or veggies for snacks over vending items.

11. Testimonials Carl Torello has lost 45 lbs. since starting the program! His girlfriend has lost 25 and they are still losing!

12. Testimonials Bob Miceli has lost 15 Pounds and is eating more than 5 servings of fruits and vegetables every day, compared to 1 before the program.

13. Testimonials Craig Meyer participated in a weight loss challenge at the office and enjoyed the vegetable trays to keep him feeling full through the afternoon. He has lost 35 pounds by watching what he eats and running. Craig says, “I have a lot more energy then I usually did. Now I’m running 1 – 2 miles a day. Last time I felt like this was my freshman year in college.”

14. Lasting Impact • Employees are eating more fruits and veggies on a regular basis. • Employees are exposed to a variety of fruits and vegetables, allowing them to try something new and possibly incorporating into their diet. • Many employees have lost weight and many spouses that do not work onsite have also seen changes in their eating habits and weight.