McDonald's Canada joins new global commitment to support families through a focus on Happy Meals

The global announcement includes evolving the Happy Meal menu and marketing practices across 120 markets around the world. In the Canadian market, McDonald's already meets local advertising pledges, and offers nutrition transparency related to Happy Meal bundles and all menu items. Image: McDonald's Canada

TORONTO -- McDonald's Canada is announcing their support of the global McDonald's goals which celebrate the company's commitment to families. Around the world and in Canada, McDonald's is expanding our commitment to families by using its reach to impact Happy Meals, access to reading and continued support for Ronald McDonald House Charities.

Also read, McDonald's Happy Meals are getting an organic juice makeover.

"Families are at the heart of our business and Happy Meals are a huge part of what kids love about McDonald's," says Antoinette Benoit, Chief Marketing Officer at McDonald's Canada. "These changes are about continuing our brand's evolution, meeting the needs and wants of our guests, and also using our reach to have a positive impact around the world and in communities from coast-to-coast."

The global announcement includes evolving the Happy Meal menu and marketing practices across 120 markets around the world. In the Canadian market, McDonald's already meets local advertising pledges, and offers nutrition transparency related to Happy Meal bundles and all menu items.  Additionally, Canada will meet the new global menu goals, which include that by 2022:

• 50 per cent or more of the Happy Meal Bundle Offerings shown on menus will meet the criteria of:
• fewer than or equal to 600 calories;
• less than or equal to 10 per cent of calories from saturated fat;
• fewer than or equal to 650 milligrams of sodium; and
• less than or equal to 10 per cent of calories from added sugar.

In Canada, McDonald's will continue moving forward in demonstrating commitments to children's nutrition, nutrition transparency and families. In recent years, a number of bold moves have furthered the Canadian company's commitment to families.  For example:  

Happy Meals

• Every Happy Meal sold in Canada includes yogurt and has the option of including apple slices
• Detailed nutrition information for menu items is available in-restaurant through the Nutrition Facts brochure, through an online Nutrition Calculator, and on the My McD's app.

Access to reading

• Last year, McDonald's Canada distributed more than 3 million books in a landmark program that allows families to choose either a book or a toy in every Happy Meal.
• To help combat literacy issues, McDonald's Canada in partnership with First Book Canada donated approximately 20,000 books to kids in need.

Ronald McDonald House Charities

• Founding and forever partnership with Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) Canada.
• A portion of proceeds from every Happy Meal sold goes directly to RMHC to help keep Canadian families close while their sick child receives treatment at a nearby children's hospital.
• Every year Canadians come together to celebrate McHappy Day, which over many years has raised over $67 million for RMHC, Ronald McDonald Houses and local children's charities across the country.

SOURCE McDonald's Canada