Greener Restaurant Food

   Dawn Sweeney, President and CEO of the National Restaurant Association, says, “…Americans continue to rely on restaurants as a key part of their lifestyle… In 2009, it is predicted that nearly half of consumers' food budgets will be spent in restaurants…” In fact, American adults buy a meal or a snack from a restaurant an average of 5.8 times a week. The Association reports that 45 percent of adults say restaurants are an essential part of their lifestyle.
   Even in today's economic downturn, Americans still want convenience and value but they also want to see healthier meals. Three out of four adults surveyed said they are now trying to eat healthier at restaurants. They want healthier meals for children, better portion control, gluten-free and allergy-free menu choices, and they are going green with attitudes regarding conservation and local foods. Of customers surveyed, 44 percent said they are likely to make a restaurant choice based on energy and water conservation practices and 70 percent of adults surveyed said they are more likely to patronize a restaurant that offers locally produced food items.
   The Association also reports that the number one trend among chefs is the local-foods trend. A whopping 89 percent of fine dining operators serve locally sourced items.
   Way to go green!