NRA launches healthful meal initiative for kids
The National Restaurant Association unveiled a new nationwide initiative on July 13 that provides parents and children with a growing selection of healthful menu options when dining out. “Kids LiveWell,” a program the Association launched today in collaboration with Healthy Dining, highlights how restaurants are creating innovative solutions to provide better-for-you menu options, according to the association.
“‘Kids LiveWell’ underscores that restaurants can be part of the solution to ensuring a healthier generation and providing consumer choice in dining options,” said Dawn Sweeney, president and CEO of the National Restaurant Association. “More than 15,000 restaurant locations are participating in this initial launch and offering their young guests a selection of ‘Kids LiveWell’ choices, and we look forward to announcing additional restaurants and menu options in the coming months.”
Inaugural “Kids LiveWell” leaders include the following 19 brands: Au Bon Pain, Bonefish Grill, Burger King, Burgerville, Carrabba’s Italian Grill, Chevys Fresh Mex, Chili’s Grill & Bar, Corner Bakery Cafe, Cracker Barrel, Denny’s, El Pollo Loco, Friendly’s, IHOP, Joe’s Crab Shack, Outback Steakhouse, Silver Diner, Sizzler, T-Bones Great American Eatery and zpizza.
To join “Kids LiveWell,” restaurants agree to offer and promote a selection of items that meet qualifying criteria based on leading health organizations’ scientific recommendations, including the 2010 USDA Dietary Guidelines. Healthy Dining’s team of registered dietitians has worked with participating restaurants to identify and validate the menu choices that meet the “Kids LiveWell” criteria. The criteria include the following components:
– Offer a children’s meal (an entrée, side and beverage) with 600 calories or less; two servings of fruit, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein and/or low-fat dairy; with limits on sodium, fats and sugar;
– Offer at least one other individual item with 200 calories or less, with limits on fats, sugars and sodium, plus contain a serving of fruit, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein or low-fat dairy;
– Display or make available upon request the nutrition profile of the healthful menu options; and
– Promote/identify the healthful menu options.
Parents can find “Kids LiveWell” options in their communities by visiting the “Kids LiveWell” section on www.HealthyDiningFinder.com. Participating restaurants can add the “Kids LiveWell” icon on their menus to indicate qualifying items, as well.
Other associations have praised the initiative, including the Produce Marketing Association.
