Give Now  »

wfiu logo
WFIU Public Radio

wtiu logo
WTIU Public Television

Choose which station to support!

Indiana Public Media | WFIU - NPR | WTIU - PBS

Chains Overhaul Kid's Choices With Help From Michelle Obama

If you visit one of the big chain restaurants Olive Garden or Red Lobster, look for healthier options to appear on the menu -- thanks to Michelle Obama.

The First Lady announced the "breakthrough" plan with Darden Restaurants in Hyattsville, Maryland last Thursday.

Darden, the world's largest full service restaurant company, will make changes to the children's menu to make it more healthful and reduce overall calories by 10 percent in five years, and 20 percent in ten years.

Obama points out in order for the initiative to work, patrons have to choose the healthier items.

"Parents, we literally have to put our money where our mouths are... We have to give (restaurants) the incentive to do the right thing," she says.

So far restaurants large and small seem to be getting the hint. McDonald's has pledged healthier Happy Meals, Burger King is going fresh, and other restaurant chains like Romano's Macaroni Grill have also pledged less fat and sodium.

Read More:





Support For Indiana Public Media Comes From

About Earth Eats

Harvest Public Media