Healthy Options Restaurant Week returns March 4-10

BUFFALO, N.Y. (February 26, 2024) – Western New Yorkers will have the opportunity to try new restaurants, support local businesses, and positively impact their own health as part of this year’s Healthy Options Restaurant Week presented by the Independent Health Foundation, Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, Buffalo Urban League Young Professionals and the food delivery service appétit.

Western New Yorkers will have the opportunity to try new restaurants, support local businesses, and positively impact their own health as part of this year’s Healthy Options Restaurant Week presented by the Independent Health Foundation, Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, Buffalo Urban League Young Professionals, and the food delivery service appétit.

This is the second year of this unique restaurant week in Buffalo which will run from March 4-10, offering a variety of ways to discover how eating out can, in fact, be a healthy experience. Healthy Options Restaurant Week signals the start of National Nutrition Month and the celebration of the 20^th anniversary of the Independent Health Foundation’s Healthy Options program.

“For two decades, the Healthy Options Buffalo program has helped the community make informed choices about healthy eating and we’re excited to once again highlight that work through Healthy Options Restaurant Week,” said Carrie Meyer, Executive Director of the Independent Health Foundation. “It’s going to be a great opportunity for families to try a healthy spin on their favorite foods – like grilled cheese, burgers, and pizza. We hope it will show people there’s no need to sacrifice flavor and fun when dining out.”

Menu items have been analyzed by a registered dietitian from the Independent Health Foundation to meet Healthy Options standards for calories, fat, saturated fat, and sodium.

The week kicks off on Monday, March 4 with the Taste of Health from 6-8 p.m. at the Northland Workforce Training Center (683 Northland Ave., Buffalo, N.Y. 14211). The free community event features samples of Healthy Options menu items from participating restaurants along with live cooking demonstrations, health screenings, and education.

“As research continues to show evidence of the impact of food and diet on health outcomes, we are proud to work with community-based partners, like the Independent Health Foundation, to create educational resources about, and access to, nutritious meal options,” said Beth Machnica, Director of Health & Well-Being for the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus. “We hope Healthy Options Restaurant Week serves as a catalyst for Western New Yorkers to learn that it is possible to nourish yourself with tasty, healthy food and enjoy local restaurants.”

Participating restaurants include (menu items subject to change):

• Avenue 29 Foods: Salsa + Chips; Grilled Chicken and Roasted Tomato with Pesto on Ciabatta with House Side Caesar Salad; Avocado Chocolate Pudding
• Bratts Hill: Blackened Salmon; Coconut Sorbet
• Buffalo Plant Burger: Grilled Jackfruit Veggie Kabobs; Buffalo Plant Veggie Burgers; Gluten-Free Brownies
• Carine’s Caribbean Cuisine: Caribbean Chicken Soup; Brown Stew Chicken
• CEOKitchen: Smoked Pineapple Salmon Bruschetta Cups; Southwestern Quinoa Salad with Smoked Chili Grilled Chicken
• The Cheesy Chick: Gluten-Free and Vegan Tomato Soup; Pesto Grilled Cheese on Wheat; Fruit Bowl
• Fresh Catch Poke: All Signature Bowls
• Giacobbi’s Cucina Citta: Burrata Salad; Pasta Rapini.
• Green Eats Kitchen and Juice Bar: “Cream” of Celery Soup; Sizzling Buffalo Tofu Quinoa Bowl; Chocolate Hazelnut Avocado Pudding
• Mario’s Bistro and Brews: Beans & Greens; House Salad with Grilled Lemon Chicken
• Mister Pizza Elmwood: Vegan Pizza; Veggie Delight Pizza
• New Jewel of India: Chicken Tikka; Chana Saag
• Sto Lat Bar: Steak Tartare; Teriyaki Shiitake
• Sunshine Vegan Eats: Kale Salad; Veggie Stir Fry
• Undergrounds Coffee House & Roastery: Kaldi Salad
• Venus: Hummus with Pita; Greek Salad with Chicken

Additionally, many of the participating restaurants are donating a portion of their Healthy Option menu item sales to the Independent Health Foundation’s Healthy Options at Home  program, which provides families in need with access to fresh food and healthy cooking resources. Diners can also support the program by making donations at each participating restaurant or online.

For more details about Healthy Options Restaurant Week, visit the Healthy Options Buffalo website.