Can you share your thoughts on the "Go for Green" nutritional guides in DoD dining facilities?

Scott Vedder — Sun, 22 Jan 2017 11:08:21 -0500

I'm working on a project relating to employee cafeteria meal choices and I'm curious about whether you think the DoD's "Go for Green" program works, if it helps make better food choices, if it's delicious and any other thoughts you have. I'm also curious if the marketing campaign they put out to publicize it was effective. Thanks all!

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Jan 22 at 2017 1:18 PM

CPT Jack Durish — Sun, 22 Jan 2017 13:18:17 -0500

Although not on active duty I have had several opportunities to eat at a messhall recently and seen young enlisted persons chosing well. I doubt that we would have chosen as well at that age

Response by Maj John Bell made Jan 22 at 2017 1:55 PM

Maj John Bell — Sun, 22 Jan 2017 13:55:23 -0500

Fair warning: I am a curmudgeon. I believe that I do not, but should, have a Constitutional right to smack someone in the face for offering unsolicited advice, or be given cash restitution at the offending person's option, instead. Please accept my answer within that framework.

The only reason I should get a warning about or recommendation for food is because it has been prepared in a manner that makes it more dangerous or more healthful beyond what a normal adult would understand for that particular food item. Use the wall space for pictures of puppies, or clouds, or really cool guns.

Response by GySgt Melissa Gravila made Jan 22 at 2017 2:09 PM

GySgt Melissa Gravila — Sun, 22 Jan 2017 14:09:04 -0500

Here is the bottom line, and it's the same thing I tell my staff and the residents we prepare meals for. Fresher is better- limit sodium, there is a WORLD beyond salt and pepper, and there is a huge difference between seasoning and flavor. With all that said, listen to your body, it will tell you what it needs, drink plenty of water, get plenty of rest. Stay in balance.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 22 at 2017 4:19 PM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 22 Jan 2017 16:19:10 -0500

As a 92g I can say that while we use it very few customers really care about the nutritional facts,but they tend to eat healthy regardless it's good to be there but not necessarily needed

Response by SGT Dave Tracy made Jan 23 at 2017 10:47 AM

SGT Dave Tracy — Mon, 23 Jan 2017 10:47:23 -0500

Information isn't usually a bad thing; assuming its relatively accurate. When its time to stand in line, its generally too late to Google good nutrition.

This reminds me of going to the DFAC at Ft. McCoy and the head of the facility was on the monitors running a PSA regarding nutrition. We affectionately referred to the broadcast as "CSI: DFAC". He looks into the camera with the serving line behind him, and with deadpan delivery says (to the effect of): "You see all this food? But you shouldn't eat it."

LMAO!!!!

Well then, thanks for showing it to us! Guess I better stick to my MREs as the DFAC is apparently busying itself trying to kill me by making the food I shouldn't eat. ;-)

Response by SMSgt Thor Merich made Jan 23 at 2017 11:01 AM

SMSgt Thor Merich — Mon, 23 Jan 2017 11:01:45 -0500

I can only speak for the Air Force and the one base that I am assigned to.

Most of the folks at the DFAC (chow hall to non-Air Force types) seem to eat pretty healthy. There are plenty of unhealthy options on base that those inclined can visit also. But the troops that visit the DFAC seem to eat better. The DFAC does a great job with having healthy options, decent food and even a variety of healthy drink options.

Response by SFC Pete Kain made Jan 23 at 2017 12:10 PM

SFC Pete Kain — Mon, 23 Jan 2017 12:10:53 -0500

Charts are cute, but rarely adhered to. Soldiers want fuel and taste. At least that was my experience when active.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 23 at 2017 7:30 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 23 Jan 2017 19:30:32 -0500

I haven't ever paid attention to it, though I do try to eat healthily. As a matter of habit, I avoid fried foods. When eating at the chow hall, I always have a hard time getting enough calories, so I take whatever the main course is, going for whatever has potatoes if I can, plus fruit and deserts.

Response by TSgt Erica Claus-numsali made Jan 25 at 2017 6:41 PM

TSgt Erica Claus-numsali — Wed, 25 Jan 2017 18:41:23 -0500

I think "a" green program would be a good way to start for the civilian sector. If you list the primary four (calories, fat, sodium and carbs) then it would be much easier to show which items are healthier and those that are not. you can probably give it another cool sounding name because, unfortunately, the Air Force has made claims to the "Go For Green". Smile

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 26 at 2017 3:18 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 26 Jan 2017 15:18:24 -0500

Scott Vedder Delicious and DFAC food is not something I will ever associate.I was not aware that there was a marketing campaign for this, but when I go to the DFAC, I don't look at those signs anyway, I know what I want to eat and what's it's bad or worse for my health, so if I decide to go for the greasy stuff, I know what I have to do to get rid if it later.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 30 at 2017 9:44 AM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 30 Jan 2017 09:44:42 -0500

They help

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 8 at 2017 6:25 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 08 Aug 2017 18:25:20 -0400

No one pays any attention to them