This weeks question isn’t as personal as most. I’ve been fascinated by San Francisco’s recent decision to restrict restaurants from giving away toys unless the meals are less than 600 calories, contain fruits and vegetables, and include beverages without excessive fat or sugar.
I first heard of this ban on diet-blog a few days ago and my response was…
What about the parents responsibility?!? I’m all for teaching children good habits and believe me.. I’m NOT the biggest McDs fan (although we do eat there from time to time) but making a law is not the answer. We as consumers must expect more from our restaurants and we have a personal responsibility to make better choices for our kids.
My son gets happy meals with the fruit option and a juice all the time and he’s in a very healthy weight range. Everything in moderation.
To which another commenter responded…
That’s the problem, neither (many) parents nor corporations are taking responsibility. This law is designed to provide the safest option for children – I don’t see it as being any different than requiring a baby seat when a child is in the car.
An my response to his response…
It’s completely different unless you are going to start policing exactly WHAT parents are feeding their children at every meal. Car seats aren’t only required for trips over 10 miles.. they are required ALL the time.
In the picture used above the children are CLEARLY NOT eating a meal based for kids. This law would have no effect on them what so ever.
We have to change our culture not create more laws. Education, spreading a culture of health will go a lot further. Let’s build more side walks, fund more physical education and health courses in our schools, make healthy whole foods more accessible and affordable.
This new law is like putting a band aid on a bullet wound.
Honestly, when I first heard of the law I thought it was ludicrous. I had a few days to ponder this and I still feel the same way. Although I agree we have to demand healthier options at our restaurants forcing them to comply is skirting a fine line that could soon get out of control. Not to mention I find it quite interesting that we are trying to police companies when what we serve in our schools isn’t all that different.
Am I crazy?
Are laws the answer?
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