In early childhood we know that proper nutrition is as important in the first five years of a child’s development as early literacy and preschool. But busy parents often have to resort to fast food in meal planning on hectic days. On top of this children are usually drawn to food choices because of the toys that are included in the meal. Many times these meals are higher in calories, fat and sodium. One county has decided to take action to resolve this problem.
In Santa Clara County 1 in 4 children is considered obese, as opposed to the national average of 1 in 5. On Tuesday Santa Clara County supervisors approved an ordinance banning fast food chains from including toys in kid’s meals that do not meet nutritional guidelines. Efforts in the county aim to springboard healthier eating, encouraging other cities, and hopefully California, to follow suit.
The San Jose Mercury newspaper reports that this will only affect a handful of restaurant in areas like San Martin, Stanford University, and neighborhoods in San Jose. Meals offered by the restaurant that meet guidelines will still be able to offer toys in their meals. The measure aims to combat childhood obesity by removing incentives for meal choices. Santa Clara supervisor Ken Yeager, who proposed the ordinance said, “It is unfair to get people hooked on eating high-sugar, high-fat foods early in life.”
The ordinance sets nutritional standards of restaurants not being able to provide toys with meals that exceed 485 calories, have more than 600 milligrams of sodium and get 35 percent calories from fat and 10 percent from added sugar. Drinks cannot exceed 120 calories or have artificial sweeteners or caffeine. (Sac Bee)
The California Restaurant Association is against the ordinance and cites a study done by the association showing that 80 percent of the county residents polled do not believe that banning toys in kid’s meals is an important issue for local government to address. Parental groups and individuals also have criticized the county removing parental choice and overstepping governmental boundaries. Other parents applaud the ordinance and the board’s actions in taking steps towards healthy living.
Do you think that banning toys will make a difference in promoting healthier eating for children?
Additional Links:
LA Times: It’s a sad day for Happy Meals in Santa Clara County
Time Magazine’s Nine Kid Foods to Avoid
Tags: food, childhood obesity, legislation, Santa Clara County, parents
