Healthy eating habits are formed at a young age, and it can be difficult and confusing for parents to make the best decisions for their kids while dining out. In July of 2011, the National Restaurant Association (NRA) in collaboration with Healthy Dining devised a plan to simplify this process.
The result was Kids LiveWell, a voluntary initiative that helps parents with young children select better-for-you menu options at restaurants. Kraft Foodservice is thrilled to announce their involvement with the Kids LiveWell campaign and can assist operators in devising great tasting, simple meal plans for their kids’ menus. In particular, KRAFT Macaroni & Cheese, one of kids’ most familiar and beloved meals, can be included in simple Kids LiveWell menu options to get little ones on the path to good nutrition that will last a lifetime.
Criteria for the Kids LiveWell program is simple: a full meal including entrée, side item and beverage must contain 600 calories or less, and a side item may contain no more than 200 calories. The entrée must include specified portionsof two of the following sources: fruits, vegetables, lean protein, whole grains and low fat dairy while limiting consumption of unhealthy fats, sugars and sodium – top concerns regarding children’s health.
In the initial launch of the campaign, an overwhelming 15,000 restaurant locations got on board to support the cause. Now, in the second year of the initiative, Kraft Foodservice is thrilled to offer menu solutions that incorporate KRAFT Macaroni & Cheese. The 7oz KRAFT Macaroni & Cheese Frozen foodservice pouch requires virtually no prep time, and in conjunction with a half cup serving of fruits or vegetables and a beverage such as 100% juice, meets the guidelines for Kids LiveWell.
Operators want to help parents make the best choices for their children; choices that are not only nutritious but that also taste great and satisfy picky eaters. KRAFT Macaroni & Cheese is a great entry for operators into the Kids Live Well campaign because of its ease and efficiency back of house and because kids know it, love it and ask for it by name.
For more information about KRAFT Macaroni & Cheese and the Kids LiveWell program, including great-tasting and nutritious meal plans that meet the Kids Live Well criteria, visit KRAFTfoodservice.com.
