Mayor Catherine Pugh signed legislation Thursday, that will create healthier drink options for Baltimore City families ordering kids meals at restaurants.
The Baltimore City Healthy Kids’ Meal Bill ensures that water, milk, 100% percent fruit juice, sparkling water and flavored water without added sweeteners will become the default drink options for all restaurant's kid’s meals in the city.
Families will be able to order other drinks upon request.
“I am so proud to work for a Mayor who champions progressive public health policy that will improve health and save lives," said Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen. "By changing the default option in kids' meals, Baltimore is making the healthy choice the easy choice as we reduce the rate of childhood obesity.”
The bill was sponsored and championed by City Councilman Brandon Scott. He says he is proud that Baltimore has become a leader in creating a healthier environment for the city’s children.
“Kids throughout our city are suffering from type 2 Diabetes and other chronic diseases that are brought on by the overconsumption of sugary drinks,” said Scott. “This legislation will alleviate this problem and help build healthier drinking habits for everyone in the city.”
Baltimore is now the largest American city and the first on the east coast to pass this law.
