2020 Employer Nutrition 

Program Profile

The CDC ScoreCard is a tool to help 

employers assess whether their health 

promotion programs are based on the 

best evidence for improving employees’ 

health and wellness. 

https://www.cdc.gov/workplacehealthpromotion/initiatives/

healthscorecard/index.html 

How Are Employers Doing in Promoting Healthy Eating?

44%of employers have a comprehensive workplace nutrition programa

 including 

policies and environmental support strategies.

On average, employers have 8 of 14 (57%) Nutrition ScoreCard strategies in place.

47% of employers have a policy strategy (e.g., healthy foods at meetings or subsidies) 

to improve healthy food and beverage access and availability as part of their worksite 

nutrition program.

Millions of Americans get food at 

work each day. Improving access 

to healthy food and beverages 

at the worksite to improve diet is 

a key component of a workplace 

nutrition program. People who 

eat a healthy diet live longer and 

are at lower risk for serious health 

problems such as heart disease, 

type 2 diabetes, and obesity. 

For those with these conditions, 

healthy eating can help manage 

them and prevent complications.

CDC WORKSITE

HEALTH SCORECARD

a

Comprehensive programs refer to a coordinated set of strategies that, include programs, policies, benefits,

 environmental supports, and links to the surrounding community and are designed to meet the health and safety

 needs of all employees. The 2020 CDC ScoreCard nutrition module does not include any questions related to benefits.

What Evidence-Based Practices Does the ScoreCard Assess?

PROGRAMS

Opportunities to 

begin, change, 

or maintain 

health behaviors

POLICIES

Formal or informal 

statements to 

protect or 

promote health

ENVIRONMENTAL 

SUPPORTS

Physical factors 

at work that 

help protect and 

enhance health

BENEFITS

Overall 

compensation, 

including health 

insurance

CS324630-E
NUTRITION

SCORECARD 

STRATEGIES

STRATEGYb

PERCENTAGE OF 

WORKSITES WITH 

STRATEGY IN PLACE

(2020 SCORE)

b

Evidence-based practices (i.e., programs, policies, environmental supports, and benefits) in the CDC Worksite Health ScoreCard have a weighted score from 1 to 3 points. 

 The score is derived from the strategy’s impact on population health outcomes and the strength of the supporting scientific evidence.

c

Percentages are based on 480 ScoreCard submissions in 2020..

d

Percentages are based on 359 ScoreCard submissions from employers who reported providing places to purchase food and beverages in 2020.

79% Provide educational materials that address healthy eating c

75% Provide places to purchase food and beverages c

43%d Make most items in vending machines, cafeterias, 

and snack bars healthy

28%c Have a written policy that makes healthier food and beverage 

choices available during meetings when food is served

66%c

Provide and promote free or subsidized coaching, counseling, or 

self-management programs that equip employees with skills and 

motivation to set and meet their personal nutrition goals

42%d Identify healthier food and beverage choices 

with signs or symbols

38%d Have a written policy that makes healthier food and beverage 

choices available in cafeterias or snack bars

38% Label foods with nutritional information d

36%d Have a written policy that makes healthier food and beverage 

choices available in vending machines

44%c Offer or promote an on-site or nearby farmers’ market where 

fresh fruits and vegetables are sold

Provide employees with food preparation and 

storage facilities and a place to eat 96%c

67%c

Provide and promote interactive educational programming on 

nutrition, such as a series of educational seminars, workshops, 

or classes on nutrition

24% Use pricing to encourage purchase of healthy options d

90% Promote and provide access for increased water consumption c