Color-coded utensils help identify healthful choices

Virginia Commonwealth University uses Meet @ Balance: a colored tongs system at an all-you-care-to-eat salad bar. The tongs—green, yellow and red—help advise students as to which toppings are healthy and encouraged versus which toppings should be used sparingly. If a food item uses green tongs, load it on (i.e. spinach, cucumbers, mushrooms); if yellow, use a moderate amount (almonds, black beans, hummus); if red, use sparingly (croutons, cheeses and dressings like ranch and Caesar).

Melissa LeakeMarketing ManagerVirginia Commonwealth University Dining Services/AramarkRichmond, VA