Monroe County Health Department working to lower sodium intake

Step one: Interactive workshop

The Monroe County Health Department is working on a grant to lower sodium within Monroe County.

Local chefs and restaurants can sign up to participate in an interactive tasting workshop hosted by Chef Jeff Taber, hospitality program chair at Ivy Tech and an IU Health Registered Dietitian.

Learn creative ways to modify recipes to decrease sodium without losing
flavor.

Wednesday, July 10, 2-3:30 p.m. at KRC Catering, 216 S. College Ave.

Step two: Taste challenge

After completing step one, you are eligible to participate in the Taste Challenge. Choose one menu item and submit a before-and-after recipe that shows how you decreased sodium.

Secondly, submit a proposal on how you plan to sustain sodium reduction in your restaurant. A panel of community judges will taste your final dish and review your proposal for an overall score.

Wednesday, August 14, 2-3:30 p.m. at KRC Catering, 216 S. College Ave.

Why sodium reduction is important to restaurants

According to recent data, restaurants are the No. 1 source of consumer’s sodium intake.

Between 70-80 percent of sodium is already added in the food we eat.

Consumers are advised to avoid dining out and are demanding healthier
options.

Investing in our community’s health and wellness is the right thing to do.

Sign up by 5 p.m. on Monday, July 29, through Kathy Hewett. Contact her by phone at 812-349-2722.