G4G Basics

What is Go for Green®?

Go for Green® (G4G) is a joint service performance-nutrition initiative that improves the food environment where Service Members live and work. G4G prompts better food and beverage selections with the aim to optimize performance, readiness, and health. Backed by evidence-based research, G4G was designed by nutrition experts with the unique environment of the military community in mind. Go for Green® uses a stoplight-color system (Green, Yellow, and Red) to easily identify performance-enhancing foods and drinks in dining facilities and galleys. In addition, G4G codes foods by their sodium content: Low, Moderate, or High.

Are there different versions of G4G?

G4G originated in 2008, and various program versions are in use across the Services. Each version—G4G 1.0 (2008), G4G 1.5 (2015–2016), and the current revised/rebranded G4G 2.0 (2017)—has different aspects, materials, and requirements.

Below is a comparison of the different versions:

PROGRAM COMPONENTS G4G 1.0 G4G 1.5 G4G 2.0
PRINTED MATERIALS
STANDARDIZED FOOD CARDS
MENU CODING GOALS  
FOOD PLACEMENT STRATEGIES  
STANDARDIZED STAFF TRAINING (INITIAL)  
STANDARDIZED STAFF TRAINING (ONGOING)    
PROMOTION OF GREEN-CODED ITEMS    
MARKETING PLAN    
DEFINED PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS    

How is the rebranded, redesigned G4G (G4G 2.0) different than previous versions?

G4G 2.0 is a more robust nutrition initiative, combining multiple approaches to provide a greater performance-enhancing food environment for Service Members. There are five components of G4G 2.0:

G4G 2.0 COMPONENTS

  • The new two-part coding system is based on revised G4G Criteria:
    • Code 1: Green, Yellow, and Red color codes identify nutritional quality.
    • Code 2: Low, Moderate, and High saltshaker symbols identify sodium content. Sodium coding is independent of color coding.
  • Food-placement (choice architecture) practices meet two goals: displaying Green-coded foods and beverages in more visible places; and placing Red-coded foods and beverages in less visible places. Strategic food and beverage placement nudges diners to choose the healthier, Green-coded choices.
  • Menu Coding Goals drive menu revisions to increase the availability and variety of Green-coded options in dining facilities. Menus and recipe development by G4G and the Armed Forces Recipe Service (AFRS) ensure foods eaten for performance can still be tasty.
  • Promotion of Green-coded menu items by displaying colorful, garnished “Featured Meals” and sample plates in dining facilities and galleys.
  • Marketing campaigns and nutrition education empower and motivate Service Members to make better food and beverage choices.

Where can I find Go for Green®?

G4G is being implemented in dining facilities and galleys across DoD. Any of the above described G4G versions might be in place at your installation.

Why does Go for Green® exist?

G4G exists because what you eat matters! Good nutrition enables the military to perform better—mentally and physically. G4G helps Service Members identify healthy foods and beverages that optimize performance. Dining facilities are a great place for the military community to learn more about fueling up on foods that improve performance.

Is Go for Green designed for a specific branch of the military?

G4G is a DoD joint services initiative. It can be used in any dining facility or galley throughout military branches and locations. The Air Force, Army, and Navy are currently using some version of G4G. The Marine Corps version of G4G is known as Fueled to Fight.

Published on: May 3, 2017


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