Would paying ten cents for a toy really stop childhood obesity? An article on McDonald's in San Francisco states that they are now charging an extra ten cents to have a toy added to a Happy Meal.
This is not going to change childhood obesity, but it is a good idea for building a new Ronald McDonald House. All the dimes donated would help towards constructing the Ronald McDonald House, which accommodates families and sick children. Charging a dime per Happy Meal toy is more than acceptable, considering the money is going to a good cause. If the price was any higher, though, many people would most likely not buy the toys anymore.
McDonald's other alternatives to making the rate of childhood obesity lower are actually quite affective. Many children now order apple dippers instead of fries, and when they do order fries, they receive a small amount.
In the article, Ashlee Yingling, a spokeswoman for the company, states that all McDonald's in the United States will offer Happy Meals with apple dippers and smaller fry portions by May of 2012. This is very beneficial and everyone should have this alternative already. Children seem to enjoy them, as well.
Even though McDonald's, along with many other fast food restaurants, is trying to change to healthier alternatives, that does not mean it is to blame for childhood obesity. McDonald's is a company that is just trying to run a sufficient business; it is not their fault we decide to eat there.
They inform us about the nutritional facts and how bad the food actually is for us, but we are the ones who choose to continue eating there. If anyone is to blame for the rate of childhood obesity or any obesity for that matter, it is no one but us. That is like saying it is the cigarette's fault that a smoker has lung cancer. We need to start owning up to our mistakes and take the blame for the reason we and our children are obese.
The fast food industry is aware that obesity is becoming a larger problem in today's society, but they do not need to go out of their way to change what they are serving to us. They have made a few alternatives to some of their items, and if they make more, then that is great. Until then, we need to learn how to say no to the foods that are unhealthy for us. We need to take the responsibility instead of trying to find someone else to blame for our actions.
No one is going to force you to eat at their fast food restaurant, and no one is going to make you order something you do not want. It is purely a choice, and it is YOUR choice, so make the right one.
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