Washington, D.C. – Washington, D.C. Councilmembers Brianne Nadeau and David Grosso introduced legislation this week that would promote healthier beverage choices for Kids’ Meals at restaurants in D.C. The Healthy Beverages for Kids’ Meal Act of 2018 would make healthy choices like water, milk and 100% fruit juice the default beverage option for all restaurants kids’ meals in D.C.
Sugary drinks contribute more sugar to children’s diets than any other source. The American Heart Association recommends that children over the age of two drink no more than one eight-ounce sugary drink a week, yet research indicates kids consume up to ten times that amount. Offering healthier choices in restaurants will help create a healthier D.C. as less sugary drinks can decrease the risk of unhealthy weight, diabetes and heart disease.
Several organizations are joining AHA in support of this policy, including the Center for Science in the Public Interest, YMCA of DC, DC Greens, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network and the Redstone Global Center for Prevention and Wellness.
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Our mission is to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. For nearly 100 years, we’ve been fighting heart disease and stroke, striving to save and improve lives. Heart disease is the No. 1 killer worldwide, and stroke ranks second globally. Even when those conditions don’t result in death, they cause disability and diminish quality of life. We want to see a world free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke.