Published: September 2018

ID #: CAS034

Publisher: University of Connecticut Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity

Authors: Harris JL, Hyary M, Choi Y, Seymour N

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Few research studies have examined the menu items that parents purchase for their children at fast-food restaurants or their attitudes about healthier kids’ meals. The purpose of this research was to document specific menu items that parents reported purchasing for their children at the top fast-food restaurant chains, attitudes about the restaurants, frequency of fast-food purchases for their children, and changes from 2010 and 2013 to 2016. The results of the study suggest that the frequency of parents’ purchases of fast food for their children has increased in recent years, while purchases of healthier drink and side items has not improved. These findings demonstrate the need for restaurants to implement more effective healthier kids’ meal policies to avoid the need for additional state and local regulations that would mandate healthier options for children.

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