The policies in this section can be applied to sugary products of all kinds, whether in “kids’ meals” at restaurants, in schools, hospitals or other institutions. We also take a look at phenomena such as campus “pouring rights” contracts that sell soda and snack companies exclusive access to college kids, and how nutrition labels can help parents protect their kids.
Making kids’ meals more healthful
Growing bodies deserve healthy foods. Meals offered to children at restaurants should be packed with healthy options, not empty calories from extra sugar. So what can be done? Some advocates are working with restaurant chains to include healthy beverages with kids’ meals and to offer fruits and vegetables with those meals, to give growing children what they need to thrive.
Read more about Kids Meals here.
Institutional settings
Shifting from high-sugar to low-sugar offerings fits with the broader goals of a number of institutions such as state and local governments, hospitals, and schools. There is growing recognition that food and beverages purchased with government and health care funds should not contribute to the burden of diseases due to sugar. A variety of policy options have been enacted that reflect this shift. These policies are often spurred by the desire to make these institutions serve as role models for best practices.
Read on to learn about action being taken by:
- Hospitals
- Government purchasing
- Public schools
- Colleges and universities