With an epidemic engulfing over half the country, public awareness and personal responsibility have become the best treatments in battling obesity.

As awareness for our diet and health has increased, a few relatively new restaurants have appeared on the community landscape that survive and seek out a health-conscious consumer base.

The Bohemian Moon, located along East Main Street in the City of Norwich, will be celebrating its third anniversary this November. Owner Brenda Gibbon Haltner said she began the business because she felt there was a need in the area for eclectic and healthy food.

“I wanted to have a place where we could go and enjoy. We felt a need because there was nowhere to get high quality, healthy food. We use a lot of local produce and organic ingredients,” said Haltner, who owns the business with her husband, Robert.

A more recent addition to the local food service industry is the Cafe Connection, located on South Broad Street in the City of Norwich.