Eurest introduces new food and nutrition concept to promote worksite health, sustainability

National Institute of Health's (NIH) contracted food service partner, Eurest, proudly introduced a new pioneering food and nutrition concept called 'Balance Kitchen' in the ACRF Cafe that is designed to foster and promote worksite health and sustainability.

Eurest held its grand re-opening of the newly renovated ACRF Cafe on September 15, implementing Balance Kitchen, which includes daily and weekly offerings marked as "Sensible Selections," and highlights better-for-you options throughout the cafe. In collaboration with NIH's health and wellness goals and demographic profile, Eurest customized its offerings with a balance of health-promoting foods at all service points, featuring a bountiful variety of fresh, local and sustainable menu items. Customers will still be able to find their traditional favorites, but a plentiful variety of better-for-you foods and beverages will be positioned front and center and will tempt customers to make healthful and delicious choices.

"National Institute of Health's mission is to improve the health of the nation and the world through its medical research. Balance Kitchen directly supports that mission by providing the ability to make educated choices by our staff, patients and visitors," said John M. Crawford, Director of Food Services and Concessions Programs at NIH. "It's the right concept in the right place and allows the consumer to package a meal in such a way as to show the total impact on their dietary requirement."

At the grand re-opening, customers loved the renovations, overwhelming freshness of the cafe and variety of Sensible Selections highlighted in green. The delectable better-for-you Bolognese on the 'crEATe' station with whole wheat penne and spaghetti was a big hit among customers. The new marketing and choice architecture of Balance Kitchen provided visual cues to prompt guests to compose healthful meals.

"We have over 1200 guests come through our cafe every day and we want to ensure we provide a balance between delicious and healthful food and beverage choices that please everyone," said Andy Tzortzinis, Eurest's Marketing and Communications Manager.

In addition to the Sensible Selections, Balance Kitchen also engages the customer through mobile technology, which quickly and conveniently connects guests with nutritional information about the menu items they may choose. Three iPad tablet kiosks are located just inside the main entrance of the cafe that are synced with Eurest's proprietary online nutrition platform, 'Webtrition.' With a few swipes of a finger, guests can determine how their meal will affect their daily nutritional values and goals.

To make this concept even more holistic, careful consideration will be given to sourcing and sustainability. As the program continues to grow and develop over time, customers can expect to see an expanded selection of sustainable foods and products offered at the ACRF Cafe. These selections will include fair trade organic coffee, sustainably-grown produce and meat and dairy choices that are full of flavor and without the carbon guilt.

SOURCE Eurest