The following are the results of our 2007 HDC Subscriber Survey:

Subscribers were asked to describe HDC from a list of 20 adjectives. The following nine adjectives were checked most often by survey
respondents:
 warm and friendly
practical
informative
helpful
easy-to-digest
upbeat
eco-friendly
interesting
time well spent

Respondents appreciated/enjoyed the following sections of the newsletter most:
the fast-and-easy recipes which include nutritional information
upcoming local events
Did You Know?
from the mailbag / Q&A (free research on subscriber
    submitted questions)
Test your Knowledge
subscriber-only special offers/freebies

Most cited reason for subscribers not visiting our web site (www.HealthyDining.org):
Didn’t know it existed (editor’s note:)

Respondents said they would like to see more articles and information on a variety of topics. HDC is committed to providing this information to our subscribers in future issues.

How did HDC survey respondents describe themselves?
Ages 36-50 (checked most often) followed by 50+ followed by 21-35.
Approximately 75% checked female; 25% male.

The biggest challenge facing respondents in eating well: Lack of time
Also mentioned: Lack of year-round CSA, lack of new meals ideas for
1 veg/1 non-veg household, food allergies, cooking for one is no fun, sugar/sweets cravings

When asked what effect subscribing to HDC has had on their health and well-being, subscribers responded:
I’m more aware and make better choices at grocery stores and
    restaurants now.
It reminds me that good eating can be easy and fun.
It’s helped me cultivate better eating habits for me and my family.
Keeps me on track regarding healthy eating.
I’m much more aware and informed. I’m more knowledgeable.
It has added more healthy options to my menu planning.
It keeps me thinking about making healthier choices.
I refer to the list of foods that are least contaminated (with pesticides)
    and those likely to be OK to eat though they’re not organic. It’s helped
    my family and neighbors!
HDC keeps me focused – I don’t forget to keep trying.
It motivates me to eat well even when I don’t want to.
I read labels now and ask about ingredients being used.
It serves as a reminder to me that healthier living is about constant
    awareness and small changes.
I feel that I am not alone in navigating the world of nutrition.
It has provided up-to-date healthy options, current info on food products
     and all kind of valuable tidbits.
It re-enforces my personal goal to eat the best I can.
HDC has made me more aware of valuable Chicago-area resources.

When asked what would make HDC better, subscribers responded:
 More advertisers willing to give HDC subscribers a discount. (Editor’s
    note: Any subscriber reading this willing to volunteer to make this
    happen?)
Less general advice.
Better graphics and photos. (Editor’s note: Any subscriber reading this
    with a graphics background interested in volunteering on this front?)
More information and resources for those who live/work on the south
     side (Editor's note: Subscribers–if you know of events–please e-mail
     them to HealthyDining@aol.com.)
Maybe it could be a little longer. Done – we’re now six pages long!
More subscriber contributions. (Editor’s note: I’d LOVE this to happen!)
An exercise tip in every issue. (Editor’s note: Any subscriber reading this
    with a fitness/personal training background interested in submitting a
    tip every issue?)
More local events. (Editor's note: Subscribers–if you know of events–
    please e-mail them to HealthyDining@aol.com.)
More raw information/resources. (Editor's note: Will be added starting
    May 2007)
 More articles by local writers. (Editor's note: Will be added starting
    May 2007)
Suburban outreach. (Editor’s note: Suburban subscribers reading who may
    be interested in hosting an event or submitting info on suburban events
    please step forward.)
If it became a free publication.
From your mouth to God’s ears

Subscribers said the best thing about HDC was:
 How relevant it is to my life in Chicago—it’s my door to a whole new
    lifestyle.
It’s a quick, easy-to-read and packed with good, useful information.
The easy-to-prepare, healthy recipes.
It offers available resources, places to eat, tips and places to shop
    healthier.
The consumer updates and the eco-friendly tidbits.
That as a subscriber, I could get a topic of interest or a question
     researched-gratis.
It offers varied, practical information that I can readily use.
HDC is not too heady and it’s fun to read. The information is easy to
    understand.
It’s relevant to Chicago focus. HDC gives me good information that I
    can use.
It’s trustworthy.
Gives me useful information in order to make healthy choices when
    cooking and/or dining out.
It’s commitment to reasonable healthfulness.
Specific product recommendations and label information that I can use at
    the grocery store.
It’s point of view.
It’s brief, to the point and full of important information for us health
    conscious, open-minded individuals.
It keeps me up-to-date on new organic stores, events, and products in the
    Chicago area.
It turned me on to Ethical Planet in Evanston.
It connects like-minded individuals.
It’s honest – even at the expense of losing a potential advertiser.
I have met some really great people through HDC.
It’s commitment to being the best that it can be. It keeps getting better
    year after year!

Every survey respondent, except one, felt subscribing to HDC was money well spent. The sole respondent felt HDC should be free for everyone and paid for entirely by advertisers or sponsors. (Editor’s note: I’d love to see that happen just not quite sure how. Any subscriber input/assistance on this front would be greatly appreciated.)

48% of respondents have no pets. 26% have one or more dogs. 24% have one or more cats.

Every single survey respondent, except one, was likely or very likely to recommend HDC to others.

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