Healthy Kids Meal Option To Be Required At MOCO Eateries: Council

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MD — All restaurants in Montgomery County that offer kids meals with a drink will be required to offer a beverage option with no added sweeteners, and will eventually have to offer a healthy meal option that adheres to "certain nutritional standards," the county Council decided Tuesday.

Bill 1-22 — Eating and Drinking Establishments - Healthy Meals for Children — will not limit was customers can order. It is intended to always give children in Montgomery County a healthy option when dining out.

“Childhood obesity remains a longstanding problem in our nation and the rate continues to climb impacting our children’s health and quality of life," said Councilmember Craig Rice in a news release. "Especially in a time when our busy lifestyles have more families eating out, it is imperative that as a County we encourage healthy options in our children’s meals.”

Restaurants will be ordered to comply with the drink requirement one year after legislation is signed into law, the council's news release said. Six months later the menu item requirement will come into play.

“I applaud the many restaurants, large and small, in our community that are already providing healthier selections," said Rice. "This bill lays out a minimum threshold over an extended period to ensure that our children have a healthier beverage and meal option available to them, all in order to promote more healthful eating habits throughout their lives.”