2018 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?

37%of employers have a comprehensive workplace nutrition programa

 including 

policies and environmental support strategies

On average, employers have 5 of 12 (42%) Nutrition ScoreCard strategies in place

On average, employer’s nutrition score was 8% lower in 2018 than 2017

CS313332-B

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

What Evidence-Based Practices Does the ScoreCard Assess?

PROGRAMS

Opportunities to 

begin, change, 

or maintain 

health behaviors

BENEFITS

Overall 

compensation, 

including health 

insurance

POLICIES

Formal or informal 

statements to 

protect or 

promote health

ENVIRONMENTAL 

SUPPORTS

Physical factors 

at work that 

help protect and 

enhance health

a

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

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

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

SCORECARD 

STRATEGIES STRATEGYb

% OF WORKSITES

WITH STRATEGY

IN PLACE

(2018 SCORE)

b

Evidence-based practices (i.e., programs, policies, environmental supports, benefits) with the highest weighted scores (2 or 3 points) in the CDC Worksite Health ScoreCard, including

 the strategy’s impact on population health outcomes and the strength of the scientific evidence supporting this impact..

c

Percentages based on 873 ScoreCard submissions in 2018.

d

Percentages based on 560 ScoreCard submissions who reported providing places to purchases food and beverages in 2018.

53%c Provide free or subsidized nutrition counseling or 

self-management programs on healthy eating

64%c Provide places to purchase food and beverages

33%d Identify healthier food and beverage choices with signs or 

symbols choices with signs or symbols

52%c Provide a series of educational seminars, workshops, or 

classes on nutrition

32%d Make a majority of items in vending machines, cafeterias, 

and snack bars healthy

28% Label foods with nutritional information d

24%d Have a written policy that makes healthier food and beverage 

choices available during meetings when food is served

32%d Have a written policy that makes healthier food and beverage 

choices available in vending machines

72%c

Provide brochures, videos, posters, pamphlets, newsletters, 

or other written or online information that address the 

benefits of healthy eating

Provide employees with food preparation and 

storage facilities 96%c

41%c Offer or promote an on-site or nearby farmers’ market where 

fresh fruits and vegetables are sold

34%d Have a written policy that makes healthier food and beverage 

choices available in cafeterias or snack bars

18% Use pricing to encourage purchase of healthy options d