In this Daily Caller Article, Darden Restaurants, a company that owns well know restaurant chains such as Olive Garden and Red Lobster, has decided to do its part in association with Michelle Obama's Let's Move campaign. "The company pledged to reduce the overall calories and sodium in its meals by 10 percent over the next five years, and by 20 percent over 10 years". They also "ensure that the default side dish for children is a fruit or vegetable, and one-percent milk will be the default drink with free refills". This is a clear attempt by the restaurant industry to do their part in reducing caloric intake and improving the quality of their meals. They also have taken special measure to insure that kids get their servings of fruit and vegetables with every meal.
In the realm of advertisement Darden Restaurants goes further to say, "Carbonated drinks will not be displayed anywhere. And Darden Restaurants says it will not market its food to children under 12". Another important course of action in preventing kids from being enticed with unhealthy foods.
This article is interesting for my research as it shows that even without government regulation, private restaurants are doing their part in preventing childhood obesity. This is exceptionally significant because this participation is associated with health programs and not government mandates.
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