To help Colorado’s kids create lifelong, heart healthy habits, the American Heart Association (AHA) is excited to announce that our local advocacy and health strategies teams worked closely with local health organizations and the Golden City Council to put the health of kids first.
In late January, the Golden City Council unanimously approved the Healthy Drinks in Children’s Meals Ordinance, which requires restaurants with kids’ meals to offer water or milk as the default beverages. The ordinance doesn’t prevent customers from ordering any drink they choose.
What restaurants serve to children is increasingly important. Americans eat meals outside of their home more than ever. Half of food expenditures are now spent at restaurants, and the average family eats out four or more times per week.
Consuming sugary drinks, such as fruit drinks with added sugar, sports drinks, and soda, poses a real health risk to kids. Sugary drinks have a proven harm as consumption is directly linked to expensive, chronic illnesses, such as Type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke.
Golden will provide education and assistance to restaurants over the next few months and implement the ordinance in June 2022. Golden is taking a great step toward helping our children have longer, healthier lives. The AHA thanks the Golden community and Golden City Council as we work together to create a healthier Colorado for all!