Hy-Vee Kitchen in Albert Lea has been designated as a Blue Zones restaurant.

By expanding children and adult menu choices and offering half-size portions, Hy-Vee Kitchen was able to complete the Blue Zones restaurant pledge.

“We offer one Blue Zones approved entrée every Friday in addition to a daily breakfast items and a kid’s meal option,” Hy-Vee Kitchen Manager Andy Hansen said in a press release. “Customer response has been great so far. In addition to the new menu items, we offer to-go boxes and always have fresh fruit for a side or dessert.”

A ribbon-cutting was held at Hy-Vee Kitchen today to commemorate the designation.

It is with the commitment of organizations like Hy-Vee that we will be able to make positive improvements in well-being throughout the community,” said Blue Zones Project Organization Lead, Ellen Kehr. “They see the importance of adding choices to their menus and providing fresh and light meal options for all customers.”