Fact sheet: National poll shows support for healthy and sustainable kids’ meals legislation

U.S. adults support policy efforts to increase the number of healthy and sustainable kids’ meals options at restaurants nationally, according to a new survey commissioned by the Center for Science in the Public Interest. View the resource below to keep reading.

Ensuring Healthy Options for Kids at Restaurants

The national movement to improve restaurant kids' meals is growing. Communities and corporations have recognized the need for healthier options on the kids' menu. However, federal action is necessary to expand this policy to cover all children and ensure implementation of this critical effort to improve children’s health. A nationally representative poll conducted in October 2024 found that about 75 percent of Americans support restaurants having at least two kids’ meals that meet nutrition standards. Further, 83 percent of respondents with children in their household under the age of 13 support restaurants having at least two kids' meals that meet nutrition standards. View the resource below to learn more.

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

Ensuring healthy restaurant kids’ meals

Restaurants are a key source of food for American families. Families with children consume food away from home four to five times a week on average. Between 2015 and 2018, children ages 2-11 years old consumed an average of 11.4% of their daily calories from fast food alone, not accounting for food from other types of restaurants. A 2021 national survey found that one in six parents say their child eats fast food at least twice a week. View the resource below to learn more.

Chart: State and local restaurant kids’ meal policies

Maryland continues to lead on kids’ meals as Charles County legislation passes

CSPI's accomplishments: Looking back at our 2023 victories

For 50 years, CSPI has worked to improve food safety, labeling, nutrition, and public health. Here's what we accomplished in 2023, thanks to our supporters.

Toolkit: Restaurant kids' meals

This toolkit is specifically designed to support your efforts to help improve the options offered on kids’ menus at restaurants in your community.

Model healthy restaurant children’s meals ordinance

The language in this model ordinance is designed to be tailored to the needs of an individual community. The text in italics provides different options or explains the type of information that needs to be inserted in the blank spaces in the ordinance. The comments provide additional information and explanation.

Montgomery County, MD to implement first-in-the-nation legislation improving kids’ meals at restaurants