A recent Technomic study found that healthy meal options for kids are more important to parents than expansive kids’ menus. Combined with the current issues around children and obesity, updating your menu offering for young guests may seem daunting. Several industry programs have not only been created to help operators approach these issues, but are celebrating successes. Let’s take a look at how these initiatives are taking shape on menus:
Kids LiveWell Program, National Restaurant Association
- Celebrating its 2nd anniversary, the Kids LiveWell program now includes 140 brands representing more than 41,000 restaurant locations nationwide
- A free Kids LiveWell geo-coded app is now available to connect parents to restaurants offering healthful children’s menu items
Let’s Move!, United States Government
- For the first time in 20 years, the Department of Defense is updating their nutritional standards to include more fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats and low-fat dairy products
- The Partnership for a Healthier America teamed up with 157 hospitals to improve the nutrition of patient meals and in on-site cafeterias over the next three years with the inclusion of more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low calorie options and healthy beverages
- Through Chefs Move to School, 2,400 chefs and nearly 4,000 schools have signed up to work together, teaching kids about healthy eating and helping cafeteria staff prepare healthier meals
Healthy Lunchtime Challenge and State Dinner, United States Government and Epicurious
- The 2nd annual Kids’ State Dinner was held on July 9, 2013 in the East Room of the White House. The dinner honored 54 junior chefs from across the country whose recipes won the Epicurious 2013 Healthy Lunchtime Challenge contest. The event menu included nine dishes selected from the winning recipes.
- The winning recipes from the 2013 Healthy Lunchtime Challenge can be downloaded from http://www.recipechallenge.epicurious.com/
Menu Sampler
Friendly’s
English Muffin and Egg Sandwich: Scrambled egg whites and American cheese on a large toasted English muffin served with apple slices
Wendy’s
Grilled Chicken Wrap Kids’ Meal: Served with apple slices and apple juice
Qdoba
Lil’ Naked Chicken Burrito with Beans: Includes rice, pinto beans, chicken, mango salsa, applesauce and 1% milk
Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
Half a turkey sandwich on whole wheat bread served with baby carrots, baked chips, 1% milk
Shari’s Café & Pies
Buccaneer Mini-Burgers: Two mini-burgers served with apple slices and 1% milk
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