New York City considering legislation requiring two healthy meals on kids’ menus

The New York City Council today will hear testimony on legislation that would require New York City restaurants with kids’ meals to serve at least two kids’ meals that meet nutrition standards. Testimony in support of Bill 0641-2024 will include perspectives from community members, physicians, students, faith leaders, and community organizations.

This bill builds upon existing New York City legislation, which requires the beverage that is automatically bundled with a restaurant kids meal to be a healthy beverage, such as water, juice, or nonfat milk. By expanding the policy to include nutrition standards for kids’ meals, the City Council can make it easier for families to find healthy options for their children when eating out at restaurants.

“The testimony the Health Committee will hear today demonstrates the broad community support for this bill, including the support of diverse faith communities,” Interfaith Public Health Network Co-Convener Bob Pezzolesi said. “New Yorkers want better options for their kids when dining out. The City should pass this legislation and make it easier for New York City residents to feed their children well.”

If New York City passes this bill, it would become the fourth jurisdiction in the country to pass a kids’ meals nutrition standards policy, and the first to require restaurants to serve two healthy kids’ meals as opposed to one. This policy would also be the first to pass outside of Maryland, where Prince George’s County, Montgomery County, and Charles County have enacted similar policies.

“We urge New York City to join this movement, and continue its work to improve the nutrition and overall health of children,” Center for Science in the Public Interest campaign manager Sara Ribakove said. “By passing this legislation, the city can increase the availability of healthy foods at restaurants, encourage children to form healthy eating habits, and support caregivers’ efforts to feed their children well.”

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