Influence of toys and the purchase of happy meals

I ran across this infographics that I wanted to share with you.  I thought it was really well done.

This fast food McDonalds infographic fives information about the recent San Francisco Healthy Food Ordinance.  I also thought it was very interesting about how McDonalds became the favorite kids fast food restaurant.  Is anyone surprised that putting a toy in a meal can heavily influence a child's choice?

McDonalds has been under heavy political scrutiny over the last couple of years because of the marketing tactics they have used to promote their less nutrient dense foods to children.  At one point last year, there was even an outcry to remove Ronald McDonald which was quickly dismissed by their board of directors.  Certainly, some cities have stepped and created laws that attempt to ban toys for high fat, high calorie meals for kids.

I remember as a child learning about McDonalds and it was a rare but special treat to go there.  As I became a teenager, they started to pop up all over so that it became very convenient to go there.  I think that is probably the biggest problem is that they are so readily available everywhere and cheap!  When you combine other factors like the value for the amount of food you get and kids love it so you are automatically in "hero" status if you take your kids there, it makes it hard to avoid.  

I am not against McDonalds or any fast food restaurant as a once in awhile treat.  But that is the key.  This is not food that kids should have as a regular part of their diet each week.  

Source: http://frugaldad.com

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