KINGSTON, Jamaica. Tuesday, May 7, 2024: At a time when a growing number of people are falling ill and/or dying younger due to non-communicable diseases, the Ministry of Health and Wellness is adopting innovative ways to safeguard the health of Jamaicans.
These ways include the ‘Better for You’ partnership with local restaurants, which was relaunched earlier this year to help provide the public with healthier food options.
“We have relaunched our Better for You Menu with an ambassador, Miss Kimberly Nain, singer and senior policy analyst with the Minister,” Minister of Health & Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton told Parliament on Tuesday (May 7), during his Sectoral presentation.
“We are present through our branded logo showing healthier options in 24 Seven Cafe at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, Burger King, Island Grill, KFC, Subway, Tai Tai Ice Cream Rolls, Little Caesars Pizza, Pizza Hut, and Wendy’s restaurant chains,” he added.
“We will be continuing to recruit and to partner with restaurants across the country this year as well as promote balanced nutrition through food-based dietary guidelines and the nutrition facts panel,” the Minister added.
He noted that the health team will also join forces with the Ministry of Agriculture, through Rural Agricultural Development Authority to do market pop-ups and showcase in-season produce while explaining why it is always better to eat fresh, limited processed foods.
“We are on a journey to show that the best medicine is linked to lifestyle choices. It’s a journey we must continue,” the Minister said.
‘Better for You’ was borne out of focus groups for ‘Jamaica Moves’, in which participants revealed that they were turning to restaurants to provide their daily meals, given hectic schedules that leave little time to meal-prep at home. ‘Better for You’ is represented by an special icon affixed to the menu offering and is available at participating restaurants.