Wendy's Pulling Soda Off Kids' Meal Menu

By Charlene Arsenault (Patch Staff)

Following other fast food chains lead, and urging from advocacy groups such as MomsRising.org, Wendy’s has now agreed to remove soda from its children’s menus, according to the Center for Science in the Public Interest.

In a press release, CSPI said that the move is already in effect, and that the chain now joins McDonald’s (which agreed to drop soda from Happy Meals in 2013), Subway, Chipotle, Arby’s and Panera in not serving soda with its kids’ meals.

The groups have argued that soda is inappropriate for children, given its ties to diabetes, heart disease, tooth decay and obesity.

“While parents bear most of the responsibility for feeding their children well, restaurant chains also need to do their part,” said CSPI senior nutrition policy counsel Jessica Almy in the release. “Restaurants should not be setting parents up for a fight by bundling soda with meal options designed for kids. Wendy’s is taking a responsible step forward that will improve children’s health and make it easier for parents to make healthy choices for their children. We hope Burger King, Applebee’s, IHOP, and other chains follow suit.”

The Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility (ICCR), a shareholder coalition that promotes improved corporate practices on social and environmental issues, filed a resolution with Wendy’s last year. It was withdrawn when Wendy’s agreed to consider removing soda from the kids menu, as well as limit marking of foods considered unhealthy to children.

CSPI is also suggesting to Wendy’s that the restaurant serve whole grain rolls, reduce sodium and offer fruit and vegetable options, as well as dropping the “Frosty” from the kids’ menu.

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