Kids LiveWell Program Thrives

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Friday, 24 February 2012 17:15

Washington, D.C., February 2012— The National Restaurant Association (NRA) recently announced that the number of restaurants participating in its “Kids LiveWell” program has more than tripled since the initiative’s launch last July.  Currently, 68 restaurant brands representing more than 20,000 locations have committed to “Kids LiveWell,” a first-of-its-kind voluntary program that provides parents with a growing selection of healthful children’s menu choices when dining out. The initiative focuses on increasing consumption of fruit and vegetables, lean protein, whole grains and low-fat dairy, and limiting unhealthy fats, sugars and sodium.   “Parents are looking for healthful menu options for their children, and America’s restaurants, from chain restaurants to smaller independent operators, have stepped up to the plate in an overwhelming display of support for children’s nutrition,” said Dawn Sweeney, president and CEO of the NRA.   In collaboration with Healthy Dining, the NRA launched “Kids LiveWell” in 2011 with 19 inaugural brand leaders. To join the program, 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 works with restaurants to identify and validate the qualifying “Kids LiveWell” menu choices. Parents can find “Kids LiveWell” menu items at HealthyDiningFinder.com and while on-the-go at m.healthydiningfinder.com. The Association also has launched @KidsLiveWell on Twitter and established a Facebook page.   The inaugural “Kids LiveWell” restaurant groups include: 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.   For more information on “Kids LiveWell,” visit restaurant.org/kidslivewell.    Founded in 1919, the National Restaurant Association is comprised of 960,000 restaurant and foodservice outlets and a workforce of nearly 13 million employees. The Association is working to lead America’s restaurant industry into a new era of prosperity, prominence, and participation, enhancing the quality of life for all we serve. For more information, visit our Web site at www.restaurant.org.     < Prev   Next >