Evaluation of the Heart Smart Restaurant Program in Saskatoon and Regina, Saskatchewan

The consumer-driven Heart Smart Restaurant Program was developed by the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Saskatchewan and the Saskatoon Community Health Unit, with the aim of improving the nutritional quality of food consumed in table-service restaurants. To participate, restaurateurs must agree to provide smoke-free seating and specific more healthful food choices upon request of the customer. The program was evaluated through telephone interviews with 999 individuals in randomly selected households in Saskatoon and Regina. While public awareness of the program was satisfactory, over half of those who knew of the program misunderstood its function, believing that more healthful choices are indicated on the menu. When choosing a restaurant, individuals are not greatly influenced by whether it is Heart Smart, but in Saskatoon, they are more likely to request a more healthful alternative in a Heart Smart restaurant than in others. Implications of these and other findings for future program development and research are discussed.