What do you think? Should Ronald McDonald be replaced as the mascot and spokesperson to children?
Will changing the mascot really make a difference?
Yes, I have nothing but questions because I don't think the solution is that simple. I don't really think changing the mascot is the answer to getting kids to eat less fast food.
I agree that fast foods have done a great job making their foods fun to kids and marketing to kids through the use of characters. It is certainly true that healthy foods don't have the same breadth of characters or "fun messaging". This is one of the reasons we use games and characters to promote healthy foods because it does get kids attention.
But there are other issues to be considered as well if we really want to make a difference for families and children. What about the price of the food and the convenience? These are also key reasons people choose to go to McDonalds or some other fast food place to get their family meal.
We have to ask our selves why we don't have healthy foods that are quick, inexpensive and convenient. I can go to the farmer's market once a week in my area or if I drive 15 minutes, I can find a farmers market 2 days a week. But the hours aren't always in line with my schedule.
I bought a stalk of broccoli and it was $2. That isn't going to be enough to fill my child's stomach. I still have to go somewhere else to get the other ingredients for a meal. Where is the convenient in and out, fast healthy food meal that is 1-2 dollars?
If we can find that place, we might be able to help more parents. I would like fast food to be "less appealing to kids" and certainly no marketing to promote foods very low in nutrients and high in calories and fat. But I think we need to put our muscle and energy behind solutions that will really make a difference.
Just my two cents... what do you think?
Fun Resources for Kids
Chef Solus healthy games promote healthy messages to kids
Fun Food Label Learning and Activities Worksheet Page
Printable - Fruits and Vegetables Coloring Sheet 1 (Spanish version)
Printable - Fruits and Vegetables Coloring Sheet 2 (Spanish version)
Printable - Orange Vegetables and Vitamin A Coloring Sheet (Spanish version)
Printable - Harvest Vegetables Coloring Sheet (Spanish version)
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