The Roanoke Avenue Business Alliance and the Halifax County Cooperative Extension Service will work together with restaurants on Roanoke Avenue to develop healthy alternatives on their menus.

Specifically, the alliance is working with Gavin Coombs, the county community transformation and catalyst coordinator, who is based out of the extension office in Halifax.

“We work in the community to help people live healthy lifestyles incorporating healthy foods,” Coombs said at this afternoon’s monthly alliance meeting.

The aim of the initiative is to work with local restaurants to serve local fresh foods and vegetables, Coombs said.

“We want to have a restaurant week that features local farmers working with the farmers market,” Main Street Director Sherry Hux said.

Hux said she and Coombs would be meeting with restaurants soon. “One of the things is not to deviate too far,” from current menus.

It could be as simple as making dishes with whole grain pasta instead of enriched pasta. “It’s a wonderful opportunity for the community,” Hux said.

David Watson, who owns david’s on the Avenue, is already using local farmers for his restaurant and looks forward to expanding those opportunities. “I’m always interested in sources for fresh products.”

Other announcements made during the meeting include:

• The anticipated completion of the 1000 block lighting project within the next two weeks.

• The RABA roast of Ervin Griffin Sr., the president of Halifax Community College, on February 25 at david’s. The social hour begins at 6 p.m.

• Steve Dennis, president of the organization, has stepped down. Carol Moseley is now president.