Creating Healthier Places

Georgia Institute of Technology

2017 Progress Report

Year Committed: 2014
Length of Commitment: 3 years
Select a Progress Report:

Committed to meet 23 guidelines—developed by PHA in collaboration with some of the nation’s leading nutrition, physical activity and campus wellness experts—around nutrition, physical activity, and programming on campus.

Verified Results

  • Implementation Date

    September 2017

    Reporting Date

    November 2017

    Commitment Element

    Offer on the menu a minimum of one (1) wellness meal at each breakfast, lunch and dinner meal (if served).

    Progress To Date

    Georgia Institute of Technology offers at least one wellness meal at every breakfast, lunch and dinner served at its three campus dining halls. Wellness meals meet all PHA food and nutrition criteria and are promoted daily with signage that includes photos and nutrition information.

  • Implementation Date

    September 2017

    Reporting Date

    November 2017

    Commitment Element

    Label food and beverage items offered with calories per serving at the point of presentation.

    Progress To Date

    Georgia Institute of Technology labels all food and beverage items with calories and nutrition information at the point of presentation.

  • Implementation Date

    September 2017

    Reporting Date

    November 2017

    Commitment Element

    Offer a healthier catering menu that only includes foods and beverages that meet healthier food and nutrition guidelines.

    Progress To Date

    Georgia Institute of Technology offers a Mindful Catering Menu, which identifies all catering food and beverage options that meet Sodexo's Mindful nutrition guidelines. Items on the Mindful Catering Menu are also designated throughout the standard menu with a Mindful healthy icon.

  • Implementation Date

    September 2017

    Reporting Date

    November 2017

    Commitment Element

    Implement an integrated, comprehensive wellness program for individuals on campus that is provided annually.

    Progress To Date

    The Georgia Institute of Technology Go T.E.C.H. (Teams Encouraging Campus Health) initiative involves the entire campus community and raises awareness of the health and wellness activities at the University. Go T.E.C.H. teams serve to support healthy, balanced lifestyles for students, faculty, staff and alumni by assessing health needs, reviewing and implementing health-related policies and streamlining and communicating events and programs on campus. An Executive Committee and Well-Being Council lead the initiative and represent a wide coalition of campus employees and students from areas including student life, academics and campus services. Additional Action Committees form on an annual basis to address the current needs of the community. The 2016-2017 Action Committees included Monthly Messaging and Academic Engagement, Sexual Violence Prevention, Alcohol and Other Drugs, Employee Health and Well-Being and Go T.E.C.H. Special Projects.

Partner Statement

“Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) is proud to complete the Partnership for a Healthier America’s (PHA) Healthier Campus Initiative as a member of the inaugural cohort. PHA’s guidelines have helped Georgia Tech showcase our many well-being successes, for both individuals and the Georgia Tech community. We are inspired to make the healthy choice the easy choice. We recently expanded into an Office of Health & Well-Being with a vision where our students and employees will flourish and be fulfilled. This has allowed stronger visibility and collaboration between departments, with campus partners, and the state University System to create innovative messaging and programming as we support a campus culture of health and well-being. Within Dining Services, we have increased our frequency of fruit and vegetable offerings, locally sourced ingredients, and house-made menu items. We promote walking and biking through campus as evidenced by our award winning Bicycle Master Plan and marketing of our ‘Pi Mile’ running trail. We created a monthly messaging campaign to support health and well-being initiatives, such as encouraging kindness, hydration, and activity, which were adopted by the state level well-being campaign. We are looking forward to continue our efforts in the next year, and beyond, to ensure that our community is Smart & Happy.”