Starting tomorrow, all restaurants serving children’s meals in Montgomery County, Maryland will be required to serve at least one healthy children’s meal. The county will be the first jurisdiction in the country to implement such a policy, following the adoption of these healthy meals for children. legislation in March 2022.
To comply with the law, at least one children’s meal offered by each restaurant must meet expert nutritional standards for calories, sodium, total sugars, total fat, saturated fat and trans fat. In addition to meeting these standards, a healthy meal must also include at least two of the following food components: non-fried fruits or vegetables, a whole grain product, or a lean protein.
“I am very pleased that 18 months after the Healthy Meals for Children bill was signed into law, we are now seeing the implementation of the meal portion that will ensure our children have access to nutritious and healthy options. healthy,” said board member Gabe Albornoz, president of the Board of Health. and Human Services Committee. “This initiative is an important tool to support and inform restaurant owners and families about a complete and balanced diet to maintain and build a strong body. Requiring non-fried fruits or vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins to be offered in any advertised children’s meal will help promote lifelong healthy habits. I applaud all partners and especially our restaurants for adopting healthy meals.
The legislation also requires restaurants that offer children’s meals to prepare healthy beverages, such as water or low-fat milk, the default beverage offered with a children’s meal. This provision came into force in March this year.
Efforts to pass this legislation were led by the Montgomery County NAACP, the American Heart Association, CASA, the Center for Science in the Public Interest and other advocates.
“Our goal at the NAACP is to end racial health disparities and create an inclusive culture of healthy people and communities. It starts with taking care of our most precious resources, our children. Children deserve to have healthy foods and drinks at home, at school and at restaurants,” said Linda Plummer, president of the Montgomery County NAACP. “That’s exactly what the Montgomery County Council has started to do. We applaud the Silver Diner and all restaurants in the county and across the country that are including healthier choices on their menus. The healthy choice is the right choice.
Restaurants may need to introduce new menu items, such as non-fried fruits or vegetables and whole grains, or reformulate existing menu items in order to comply with the policy. For example, BurgerFi’s current kids’ meal offerings would not meet the policy’s sodium standard. BurgerFi’s lowest-sodium kids’ meal contains 910 milligrams of sodium, which is 210 more than the bill’s 700 mg limit.
“For too long, unhealthy foods and sugary drinks have dominated children’s menus in restaurants. With this legislation in effect, families will have healthy options to choose from when dining out,” said CSPI Policy Associate Katie Marx. “CSPI applauds the hard work of Montgomery County and advocates who supported the passage and implementation of this legislation. We encourage restaurants to fully implement this policy and support families’ efforts to feed their children well.
Neighboring Prince George’s County was the first jurisdiction in the country to pass a law requiring restaurants to serve at least one healthy meal to children, in 2020. Its legislation will take effect next year. These Maryland locations are among the growing list of jurisdictions that have passed healthy meal legislation for children. More than two dozen states and localities, including Baltimore, have passed legislation requiring children’s meals to be served with healthy beverages by default.
“It is our collective responsibility as parents, policymakers and community members to create the healthiest environment possible so that each of our children can reach their full potential. Healthier options on restaurant kids’ meal menus make it easier for families to make a nutritious choice when dining out and are a vital step in paving the way for a healthier future for the next generation,” said Member Dr. Yolandra Hancock. American Heart Association Board of Directors and Pediatrician.
Advocates are also proposing similar legislation on nutritional standards for children’s meals in other Maryland counties, including Howard and Charles counties. On Tuesday, the Charles County Board of Commissioners voted to hold a future public hearing and final vote on similar healthy meals for children legislation.
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