Healthy Kids’ Meals Bill

What will this bill do? The Baltimore City Healthy Kids’ Meals Bill (17-0152) ensures that water, milk, 100% fruit juice, sparkling water and flavored water without added sweeteners are the default drink options for all restaurants kids’ meals in the city of Baltimore. Families can order other drinks upon request. Why is this bill necessary?
  • The overconsumption of sugary drinks is a key factor in high rates of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease and tooth decay.
  • One in four children in Baltimore drinks at least one soda each day.
  • Sugary drinks are often the default options accompanying kids’ meals in restaurants, and Baltimore families too often end up with these choices as they eat out on an average of 2.6 times per week.