I have worked for Jason’s Deli for 20 years in several departments and have gone from a single, young(ish) lady to a married mom with 2 kids! The one “job” that I feel has had the biggest impact on me and my family is that of Nutrition Specialist. I have been blessed to work closely with our Research and Development team for the past 15 years.
As a mom, my children’s health and wellbeing is always at the forefront of my mind. Childhood obesity is too prevalent in our society today – I see it in the schools my kids attend and I see it out in the community I live in. Working for Jason’s Deli, I have learned so much about food and what makes it good vs. good for you. Our team is always looking for ways to serve food that’s good & good for you.
Parents shouldn’t have to worry about what’s hiding in their children’s food. Here are a few things parents don’t have to worry about at Jason’s Deli:
- We began analyzing all the ingredients on our menu in 1999, and in 2005, we eliminated artificial trans fats from all our food
- Next in 2008, we eliminated high-fructose corn syrup
- In April 2009, Jason’s Deli released a new kid’s menu that reduced sodium levels by 21%, saturated fat by 20%, cholesterol by 17%, total carbs by 15% and calories by 10%
- In 2010, we removed fountain drinks as a choice on our kid’s menu
- USDA-Certified Organic ingredients can be found throughout the menu
- We have also eliminated dyes and artificial flavors from our entire menu
- We list calories on our menus as well as our website.
I have learned even more about childhood obesity as a chronic, preventable disease by volunteering as a board member for the Texas Health Institute for the past 6 years. We’re also involved with one of THI’s largest endeavors – the Southern Obesity Summit representing 16 states.
Its Seven Pillars of Obesity Prevention is a remarkable plan of attack, from Early Childhood, Food Access, Healthcare/Healthcare Systems, Nutrition, Physical Activity, Schools and Worksite Wellness.
In November, I’ll be at the 10th annual Southern Obesity Summit in Houston, TX, and will let you know what happens.
- Kim Jones, Nutrition Specialist
September is National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month