News

Nebraska kills healthy kids' meal bill

February 7, 2011

As cities ban kids’ meals and organizations protest quick-service mascots, one state is leaving children’s nutritional decisions up to the parents … At least for now.

Nebraska’s Agriculture Committee voted 8-0, without discussion, to postpone a bill that would have required any kid’s meal with a toy or game be nutritious.

According to the Lincoln Journal Star, the bill was introduced by Lincoln, Neb., Senator Bill Avery. The unanimous vote postpones the idea indefinitely.

Committee chairman, Holdrege Senator Tom Carlson, said what children eat is the decision of parents and grandparents, adding that the issue is not one-dimensional as kids also need more exercise.

Senators were inundated with e-mails opposing the bill. However, Avery maintains that the state has some responsibility in ensuring a healthy atmosphere, likening the bill to Nebraska’s statewide smoking ban.

Avery insists his bill didn’t encourage the removal of kids’ toys, but rather a wider option of healthier meals offered by restaurants. He said he may re-introduce the bill in 2012.