NFL's Lions, St. Joseph Health partner on healthier stadium menu

The Detroit Lions of the NFL is partnering with Saint Joseph Mercy Health System (SJMHS) on a Healthy Choice program that will highlight and label more than 65 healthy food options in the team’s Ford Field home stadium this fall.

"We are so pleased that the Detroit Lions are joining in our effort to expand wellness options in the communities we serve," said SJMHS Regional President/CEO Rob Casalou in a statement announcing the initiative. "As one of the major health systems in southeast Michigan, we want to help our community stay well by encouraging fitness and eating great, fresh food no matter where they are."

SJMHS already has a similar partnership with the Detroit Red Wings NHL team at its Joe Louis Arena home facility.

The Healthy Choice items will carry the SJMHS logo on both concession menus throughout Ford Field and on suite menus. All of the designated items will have been identified to be lower in sodium, saturated fat, total fat and cholesterol, and dense in nutrients, vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants.

On the suite menu, Healthy Choice items include free-range rosemary garlic chicken with roasted potatoes; high protein vegetarian salad with mixed greens, kale, tofu, and chickpeas; a "ZLT" flatbread sandwich with zucchini, romaine lettuce and vine-ripened tomatoes; salmon sliders with cucumber dill sauce, and spicy turkey chili with roasted tomatillo and white bean.

The “Taste Club Kids Meals” have healthy options including grilled chicken tenders with honey-mustard dipping sauce and a turkey and cheddar sandwich on whole wheat bread. All kids meals are accompanied by fresh fruit, carrot and celery sticks and a granola bar.

"The Lions fuel up each day with energy-boosting, nutritious and flavorful foods, and it makes sense to provide similar healthy options to fans attending games at Ford Field,” said Lisa McDowell, a board certified specialist in sports dietetics as well as director of clinical nutrition with SJMHS. McDowell worked closely with the Detroit Lions Executive Chef Joe Nader to review all suite and concession items.

“Health and wellness is a pillar of the Detroit Lions not only in our community programming, but throughout the entire organization,” commented Detroit Lions Senior Vice President of Marketing & Partnerships Elizabeth Parkinson in a statement. “A partnership with Saint Joseph Mercy Health System to easily identify the healthiest options in stadium to our guests is both a logical choice and a point of pride for us.”

Contact Mike Buzalka at [email protected]