Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey’s “Healthy Plate” Concession Stand Puts Good Nutrition Right in Baseball Fans’ Strike Zone

As a nutrition-conscious America looks for more healthy menu options when dining out, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey  and the Camden Riversharks are teaming up to bring smarter eating choices to America’s pastime.

Just in time for the 2013 baseball season, Horizon BCBSNJ opened a new Healthy Plate Concession Stand at Campbell Field, where fans at every game will be able to find nutritious alternatives to the traditional ball park fare.

Campbell Field is one of three great New Jersey minor league baseball parks where fans can find the Horizon Healthy Plate Concession Stand this season.  Stands are also up and running at Arm & Hammer Park (Trenton Thunder) and FirstEnergy Park (Lakewood BlueClaws).

“Good food and family fun are the great staples of a professional baseball game at any of New Jersey’s minor league ballparks,” said Jonathan Pearson, Director of Corporate Philanthropy and Community Affairs for Horizon BCBSNJ. “Healthy eating should be a part of the ballpark experience, too.  That’s why Horizon BCBNJ’s pitch to fans is to bring their appetites to the Horizon Healthy Plate Concession Stand, where menu options are both nutritious and delicious,” Pearson said.

Rivershark’s President/General Manager Adam Lorber joined Horizon BCBSNJ at a special ribbon cutting ceremony, opening the Horizon Healthy Plate Concession Stand. Located in the first base concession stands, guests sampled the healthy menu items and fans at the Riversharks’ opening game of the season got a special taste of the nutritional options.

The Horizon Healthy Plate Concession Stand has received the support of the New Jersey Department of Health, which administers ShapingNJ, a public/private partnership for nutrition, physical activity and obesity prevention.

"The New Jersey Department of Health and the ShapingNJ  Partnership are pleased to collaborate with Horizon BCBSNJ to bring healthy concessions to places where our residents enjoy leisure-time activities,” said Peri L. Nearon, MPA,  Director of the Office of Nutrition & Fitness, NJ Department of Health.

“It is so important to give families and individuals healthy choices, and to make healthy choices easier for people to make not only for themselves, but for their children.”

The Healthy Plate Concession Stand menu was designed by certified nutritionists under the direction of Glenn D. Pomerantz, MD, JD, Vice President and Chief Medical Officer of Horizon BCBSNJ.  The menu includes a long list of popular heart-healthy dining choices, such as a low fat chicken salad sandwich, a roasted red pepper sandwich, a lean roast beef sandwich and a fresh fruit cup.  The menu also includes nutritional alternatives to the traditional ballpark fare, such as a tofu hot dog.

From entrees to appetizers; from side dishes to beverages; each affordably-priced item includes calorie and other nutritional information.

“Making the right nutrition choices in every meal, including those enjoyed at leisure-time, is key to maintaining health and wellness,” Pearson said. “We encourage fans to take their smart eating habits out to the ball game this season by stepping up to the Horizon Healthy Plate Concession Stand at Campbell Field.”