Our History

In 2002, the Pinellas County Health Department developed a Healthy Behaviors team to focus on the health of Pinellas County Health Department employees. The team introduced the idea of a Healthy Restaurant Program, which would encourage restaurants to change their kid’s menus to offer at least 25 percent healthy options. The menus would be approved by the health department nutritionist. Then restaurant would earn the honor and label “Healthy Hero.”

In 2003, the Healthy Choices Restaurant program was picked up by Steps to a Healthier Florida and Florida on the Move in Pinellas County.

In 2007, the program launched a new logo and added adult menus to the mix. Currently more than 250 plus restaurants participate in the program. The program has gained attention from the local chapter of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association, resulting in a beneficial partnership. The Pinellas County Health Department is now an active member of the association.

In 2008, the Pinellas County Health Department collaborated with two other county health departments in the Tampa Bay area to expand the program. Hillsborough and Pasco Counties have come on board to expand the program into their communities. From this collaboration, an updated logo now asks restaurants to encourage patrons to ask for their meal “cook to order” or to “take 1/2 home.” The Pinellas County Health Department is now encouraging other county health departments, in Florida, to join the effort and incorporate the Healthy Choices Restaurant Program in their communities.