Metz & Associates, Ltd., a leading dining and environmental management provider, is focusing on helping guests make more nutritious snacking choices through the introduction of a new HEALTHchecks Snack program. “The program was designed to help us offer healthier snack selections to guests,” said Kathy Gonzalez, Med, RD, LDN, vice president of Nutrition Education Services, Metz & Associates, Ltd.. “We are increasing the options available to our guests and providing alternative ideas for sides, as well as mid-morning and afternoon breaks.” HEALTHchecks Snacks is part of the company’s HEALTHchecks Program, which alerts guests to healthy menu items with a check mark next to a menu item that meets special nutritional criteria.

The Metz team has found an increased demand among guests for snack items that are lower in saturated fats, calories and sodium. This interest in healthier snacking has given them the opportunity to help educate guests on nutritional information and healthier eating habits. Examples of some of specially selected HEALTHchecks Snacks include Frito Lay Multi Grain Garden Salsa Chips, General Mills Chex Snack Mix and Reduced Sugar Sunkist Fruit Snacks, Kellogg Nutri Grain and Kashi Bars, Stacy’s Simply Naked Pita Chips, J & J Whole Wheat Superpretzels, and Ocean Spray Craisins Trial Mix, among many others.

The company will introduce HEALTHchecks Snacks on special rack displays for ease of identification and also with HEALTHchecks stickers. In addition, the program will be advertised through posters, table tents and other marketing materials, all focusing on helping guests make smarter, more nutritious snack decisions. The posters will offer helpful tips on calorie consumption, weight management and physical activity, as well as focusing on different food groups and the importance of each group. HEALTHchecks snacks will go hand in hand with Metz’ very popular Up for Grabs program, which also offers a large selection of healthier items. Some of the most popular items include fresh fruit cups, yogurt parfaits, side salads and hummus & veggies.

The Metz team also plans to host kick-off parties to introduce guests to the HEALTHchecks Snack program, featuring special deals on the various snacks, healthy cooking demonstrations and prize giveaways. Metz & Associates, Ltd. also plans to partner with local fitness centers and healthcare professionals to offer special deals on exercise and other healthcare programs to show that in addition to healthy eating, a healthy lifestyle includes regular exercise and commitment.

“We want to help educate our guests in the idea that most foods can be incorporated into a healthier lifestyle through moderation and careful planning,” Gonzalez said. “Our ultimate goal with this program is to help create a healthier lifestyle that works for each individual guest.”

Metz & Associates, Ltd., a premier food service company for the Northeast United States, provides dining and environmental management to clients such as hospitals, assisted living & long-term care facilities, school districts and independent schools, colleges and universities and corporate offices. For more information on Metz & Associates, Ltd., visit our website at www.metzltd.com or call 570-675-8100.