Kern County, CA

Certified Healthy is a program that identifies and spotlights local restaurants that make healthy options available in Kern County. The program reviews how much salt, calories, and fat are in the food, if there are vegetarian options, and if there are fruits and vegetables on the menu.

Did you know Americans eat more than half of their meals outside the home?

Kern County has the highest rate of death from diabetes in California. Each year 1 in 5 people die from heart disease in Kern County. 76% of adults in Kern County are overweight or obese.

A healthy diet can help prevent serious health problems like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, and obesity. Eating the right foods helps keep your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar at healthy levels. This can stop these diseases from starting or getting worse. A balanced diet with lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein helps people live longer and stay healthier.

Heart disease:
Eating a healthy diet with healthy fats (like omega-3s) can lower bad cholesterol and blood pressure, which helps lower the chance of getting heart disease.

Type 2 diabetes:
Keeping a healthy weight and eating a balanced diet with less sugar can greatly reduce the chance of getting type 2 diabetes.

Cancer:

To help lower the risk of cancer over time, it's important to avoid too many processed foods, keep a healthy weight, and eat a variety of foods that are good for your body.

Obesity:

When you eat nutritious foods, your body gets the right fuel it needs without extra calories that can lead to weight gain. Healthy eating also helps control hunger and keeps you feeling full longer, so you're less likely to overeat.

The Certified Healthy program honors local restaurants that serve healthier food choices. Eating healthy foods regularly can help people avoid diseases like diabetes, obesity, and heart disease. Let’s all work together to keep our community healthier!

The Safe Diner App is an interactive map that can use your location to locate restaurants near you. You can view health inspection scores and full reports. Use the Certified Healthy button to find restaurants in Kern County that are Certified Healthy.

Download the Safe Diner App on your phone today!

“Certified Healthy” Dining Out with Health in Mind

Are you a food facility that is interested in being a part of a movement to nourish Kern County with delicious dishes that promote a healthy diet?

Restaurants with an A letter grade or Mobile Vendors with a permit from Environmental Health can apply. 

As a member of Certified Healthy, you will have access to our Public Health Nutritionist to help you create healthier menu options. You will receive a Certified Healthy sticker on your grade card or permit. This sticker shows you are committed to making Kern County a healthier place to eat. You will also be highlighted as Certified Healthy on our Safe Diner app and website.

If you are interested in becoming Certified Healthy or learning more about the program, please contact Aaron Stonelake, Public Health Nutritionist at (661) 868-1276 or stonelakea@svztur.com

Once your application is received Public Health will contact you and evaluate your menu options.

We are excited to work with restaurants leading the way to make Kern County a healthier place to eat!

Certified Healthy Application - English

Certified Healthy Application - Spanish

Certified Healthy Mobile Application - English

Certified Healthy Mobile Application - Spanish

Fuel your future with Certified Healthy Schools and Certified Healthy Schools Gold!

Did you know there are nearly 200,000 students enrolled in Kern County?

Certified Healthy Schools honors schools that serve healthy, tasty, and fun meals to students.

Certified Healthy Schools Gold recognizes schools that are going above and beyond to offer even more creative and healthy meal choices!

Why Certified Healthy Schools are important for the health of kids in Kern County:

Building Healthy Habits: Teaching kids to eat healthy from a young age helps them make good food choices throughout their life.

Physical Growth and Development: Good nutrition is important for kids to grow strong, develop healthy bones, and support their brains. A balanced diet with vitamins and nutrients helps kids grow.

Better School Performance: Eating healthy helps kids focus, think clearly, and do well in school. Kids who eat healthy meals are more likely to stay alert in class.

Preventing Health Problems: Teaching kids to eat healthy can help prevent problems like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease, which are becoming more common in children.

Setting a Good Example: Kids are more likely to eat healthy if they see adults, like parents and teachers, making good food choices. This creates a positive influence for everyone.

Building a Healthy Relationship with Food: When kids learn to enjoy healthy foods, it helps them develop a positive relationship with food and reduces the risk of eating problems later.

Schools that are Certified Healthy will receive a Certified Healthy sticker on their grade card showing they are committed to make Kern County a healthier place to eat.

If your school or district is interested in becoming Certified Healthy or learning more about the program, please contact Aaron Stonelake, Public Health Nutritionist at (661) 868-1276 or stonelakea@svztur.com

Once your application is received Public Health will contact you and evaluate your menu.

We are excited to work with schools leading the way to make Kern County a healthier place to eat!

Certified Healthy Schools Application

Certified Healthy Gold Application