News

Arby's launches healthier kids meal

September 28, 2011

Arby's is the latest QSR to launch a healthier kids' meal option. Beginning Oct. 3, the chain will roll out a new kids' meal that includes Chiquita apple slices and strawberry yogurt dipping sauce instead of french fries.

The new kids' meal choices include:

• Jr. Turkey and Cheese Sandwich, apple slices with strawberry yogurt dipping sauce and a choice of: low-fat white milk, Capri Sun 100 percent Fruit Juice or bottled water; or
• Kraft Macaroni & Cheese entree, apple slices with strawberry yogurt dipping sauce and a choice of: low-fat white milk, Capri Sun 100 percent Fruit Juice or bottled water.

Arby's will also automatically serve apple slices with yogurt dipping sauce as the side item in all existing kids' meals, along with one of the new beverage choices. Parents will have the option to request Curly Fries or a fountain drink as substitutes.

The new kids' meals have reduced calories by an estimated 40 percent, total fat by approximately 70 percent and sodium by an average of 50 percent, compared to Arby's previous offerings.

"The Arby's family is proud to introduce our new Kids Meal choices, which will provide parents with more nutritious and wholesome options for their children," said Hala Moddelmog, president of Arby's Restaurant Group.

Arby's partners with Share Our Strength

Additionally, Arby's charitable arm, The Arby's Foundation, just signed on as a partner with Share Our Strength's No Kid Hungry campaign, a national effort to end childhood hunger in America by 2015.

Purchases from every kids' meal help to fund the work of the Arby's Foundation, a nonprofit organization, which is marking its 25th anniversary with a new mission to join the fight to end childhood hunger in America.

As a No Kid Hungry Campaign partner, the Arby's Foundation will support the cause with donations, including an upcoming restaurant fundraising program. The Arby's Foundation's goal is to contribute a minimum of $1 million to the No Kid Hungry Campaign in 2011.

"The Arby's Foundation is focusing its charitable efforts to help our cause partner, Share Our Strength and the No Kid Hungry campaign," said Moddelmog, who is also chair of the Arby's Foundation. "Together, we intend to tackle this pressing problem and help the 16 million children in America who are struggling with hunger."

McDonald's recently began rolling out its lower-calorie Happy Meals that also automatically include apples. Earlier this summer, Jack in the Box did the same.

Read more about health and nutrition.