Group Encourages Taste of Chicago Visitors to Eat Healthy
Just two years ago, Shannon Williams ate lobster and cheesecake at the Taste of Chicago festival in Grant Park.
But on Sunday, she ate corn, noodles and water melon. That’s because the 37-year-old resident of Chicago’s Auburn Gresham neighborhood participated in the Humana Healthier Choices Rewards Program.
“I am trying to eat healthy and lose weight,” Williams said. “It is a challenge trying to do this here with all this barbecue, pizza and French fries.”
Williams said she had some “health issues” that she wanted to improve.
She said Humana’s low calorie and gluten-free recommendations helped to improve her health.
For the last eight years, Humana has attempted to help Taste-goers eat healthier.
This year, the Louisville-based health and well-being company recommended 55 healthy food-options at 24 Chicago-area restaurants.
For the first time, Humana also recommended vegetarian options.
Humana’s push of healthy eating comes as study after study states too many U.S. resident are overweight, particularly African-Americans. Weight problems contribute to heart disease and several other health troubles.
Humana healthy choice participants, like Willliams, visited various recommended vendors and collected stamps. Once they gathered six stamps, they were eligible to participate in a raffle, which offered thousands of dollars in prizes.
“We just want to promote more well-balanced meals,” said Gennifer Jeffries, manager of community relations at Humana.
Vendors also benefited from Humana’s healthy eating program.
Luke Saunders, owner of Farmer’s Fridge, said his business attracted more customers because he is a vendor recommended by Humana.
Saunders had a variety of food items: avocado toast, water melon gazpacho and Caesar salad.
“This was absolutely profitable,” said Saunders about the festival. “At least 10 percent of my customers were (Humana) participants.”
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