Sodium Reduction

Five-Year Project (2016-2021)

The County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) has embarked on a five-year Sodium Reduction Initiative in partnership with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This project focuses on increasing availability of lower sodium food options and engaging food sector collaborators to facilitate reductions in sodium levels in commercially processed foods, thereby increasing consumer choice about the amount of the sodium they consume. San Diego County participants in this project include San Diego State University, Rady Children’s Hospital, University of California, San Diego Health, HHSA (Aging & Independence Services), and Sweetwater Union High School District.

Two-Year Project (2014-2016)

The County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) led implementation of a $500,000 federal grant, Sodium Reduction in Communities Program, locally known as the Healthy Works: Sodium Reduction Initiative. Funded by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this two-year initiative focused on increasing the number of healthy, low-sodium choices for meals served in County of San Diego worksite cafeterias, to seniors, to psychiatric hospital patients, to juvenile and adult detainees, and to children in foster care group homes.

The Sodium Reduction Initiative’s goal to reduce sodium in meals by 5% in each of the two years of the program was met and exceeded. Its success was possible through a combination of changes to procurement procedures, food preparation practices, and promotion. The four venues targeted for sodium reduction activities were administered by the following County groups and departments: HHSA (Aging & Independence Services and Behavioral Health Services), Public Safety Group (San Diego County Sheriff’s Department), and Finance and General Government Group (Department of General Services).  Food service operators participating in the Sodium Reduction Initiative included:

These efforts support Live Well San Diego, the County of San Diego’s vision for a region that is healthy, safe, and thriving. To learn more about the Sodium Reduction Initiative, review CDHE's Sodium Reduction Fact Sheet or visit the CDC Sodium Reduction in Communities Program web site or contact us by email. 

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Webpage last updated 7/9/2021.