McDonald’s Ends Promotion on Report Cards

Source: New York Times

McDonald's has decided to stop sponsoring Happy Meals as rewards for children with good grades and attendance records in elementary schools in Seminole County, FL. The decision to end the promotions for the program, appearing on children’s report-card jackets, came from executives at McDonald’s USA, part of the McDonald’s Corporation, the world’s largest fast-food business.

The sponsorship, between the restaurant owners and the Seminole County school board, drew national and international attention amid an outcry over childhood obesity and junk food diets because a fast-food chain was tying its products to academic performance. It also generated controversy because McDonald’s USA had agreed to curb its advertising to children in schools.