I couldn’t help myself. I just had to write a post. I will be completely upfront – I am not in any way a fan of McDonald’s. I am involved both personally and professionally in bringing nutritional education to families. Fast food, McDonald’s specifically, is my biggest hurdle and these families toughest stumbling block. I was reading the McGarbage post and was surprised to see how many people were defending McD’s so I thought I would open this up and try and see the other side. As I fight childhood obesity caused by societies acceptance of a sedentary lifestyle fueled by a fast food culture I would love to know how, as some commenters said, McDonald’s helps.
How does McDonald’s help? How do they REALLY help that isn’t self-serving? Oh, they have “fitness” programs sponsored by good old Ronald and maybe that clears their guilty conscience but does it really move the dial at all? No, it just creates PR for their brand. Yes, they offer apples and salads but what food addict is going to opt for that when the fries and junk are so much more appealing?
So tell me, please, how is or could McDonald’s be part of the solution? Because in my day to day I just don’t see it.
Same situation with me am not a fond of Mcdonald but when hungry and that`s the only place to go, then i got no choice. Good blog though keep it up.
Ok, I’ve missed this due to busy work obligations, but do have some imput. I work as a CRN in a core hospital in Winnipeg-a very full one at that!I deal first hand with families of babies of 24 week gestation to 1 yr old. Some of these children haven’t ever been outside. Some will never leave the hospital. I have seen and heard first hand all that RMH provides to our many many families as well as our new suites that were just built by RMH in the Children’s Hospital for those families whose children are too sick to leave, or even terminal. I take great offense in reading that this corporation is being accused of having it’s name behind it as a PR ploy. In fact, rather disgusted. Until you are in this misfortunate circumstance yourself, will you ever realize what it’s like to have a nonjudgement warm, clean “home” to come back to, with caring volunteers and other supportive families who can be there for you after you’ve just been told you’re child may never walk, see, talk or live and are all alone in a strange city. And this a ploy using our children? Hmm. All I see Burger King doing is giving out a paper crown.
Secondly, I ask. Does McDonald’s tell our children to only eat their food? Does McDonald’s not have the 4 food groups available according to Canada’s Food Guide? Do they not provide as much nutritional information and ingredients on their foods for you to make INFORMED nutritional choices? Just curious about how you feel about a Moxy’s, Earl’s, or Keg caesar salad that is pre-smothered with high fat salad dressings, or those deep fried appies your having with your beer and buddies, and maybe for the kids….ah yup, I’ve seen all those amazingly nutritious (not) “kids menus” out there. McDonald’s paying us? Financially, no. Respectfully-ABSOLUTELY! We have and will continue to question, and make aware all the positivity and nutritional upgrades there are to come. So please keep your questions of interest and concern coming!
I’ve raised my 4 kids with best nutritional support I, as an educated parent, can provide. Would I hold them back from eating out ever? Hell no, and why? Check your pantries and fridges. If your name is Tosca Reno I will end now. Otherwise, chill out, let your kids enjoy a great treat (if you stifle, they will rebel) and please continue to support RMH Charities. McMudda Kath
Erin,
McDonald’s is directly involved with Ronald McDonald house. People on the board are franchisee’s, management, suppliers, etc. See the link below. I have met many people who work with RMH and also for McDonald’s because they DO want to be directly involved because they care. I believe it does reflect how the company operates because they operate it.
McHappy Day (coming up on May 5th) is a great example of McDonald’s involement and role with RMHC. On McHappy Day across Canada a dollar from the purchase of every Egg McMuffin, Big Mac and Happy Meal goes to ROnald McDonald House Charities and other local children’s charities across Canada.
When we were in Edmonton, we visited a restaurant and the owner operator’s wife played a primary role in RMH Edmonton. We also visited the London RMH, where we saw first hand how McDonald’s is directly involved.
http://rmhc.org/who-we-are/board-of-trustees
Kath,
That’s wonderful. I’m glad it exists and helps so many people in need. But, it’s a charity, it is not run by McDonald’s. It is financially supported by McDs (and other sponsors), which is great, but it does not reflect the company’s operations at all.
Michelle Obama thinks that the food industry is partly accountable for the obesity epidemic and she is asking them to help by providing healthier choices.
Why doesn’t anyone here see it. Why do we say “Oh, they make poor choices, so it’s their fault” (implied). As Margot said in another post, it’s not as straight forward as making a simple choice between healthy food and other foods, and, in my opinion, the food industry does it’s best to make sure people choose their foods, regardless of their nutritional value and the damage done to the bodies of those eating it.
I feel like I’m talking to a brick wall here because no one will even acknowledge that McDs, or any food corporation, can be flawed when it comes to caring about the health of their clients.
When my daughter was in the Children’s Hospital emergency room, it was Ronald McDonald House who fed us while we waited 9 hours for emergency orthopedic surgery. What did they give us? Sandwiches on whole wheat bread, a fruit a muffin and milk. It was free, and it was a godsend. We were hungry, scared, and couldn’t leave the emerg.
I’m just sayin’.
wow. I don’t know how I didn’t see this until now.
WOW.
I just wanted to add one thing. We are not all “oh, mcdonalds is perfect…lalalala!” and as naomi said about she and kathy pushing for whole wheat buns, I do, had a bone to pick with McDs…I was upset that in Canada, the fries are gluten free, meat free, and dairy free BUT in the US they use a flavoring that has meat and dairy in it. I told them at the McCain plant and at McDonalds that this bothered me. The good thing about this program (for which we are most certainly not getting paid) it’s not only a chance for them to show us stuff, it’s a chance for US TO TELL THEM THE STUFF WE WANT TO SAY.
Hi Erin,
I have also printed out our questions and plan to find out more about McDonald’s morals and ethics when it comes to marketing and how it is directed at children. The next trip will be a great as we are researching the toys and the design of them.
Thanks Erin. I can’t wait to find the answers and what McDonald’s has to say.
Erin:
I have copied and printed your questions. Our next trip is mid May, so after that date I will personally reply back to you with answers. If you think of others please send them along!
Corinne 🙂
I guess I’m never going to believe that they have anyone else’s interest in mind. They do this for PR and to keep their client base. I’m sure that individuals who work at McDs can be quite compassionate and empathetic but the corporation as a whole…no. Have you seen the movie or read the book “The Corporation”? If not, check it out.
I asked about getting paid because there is no criticism of McDs at all and every single criticism from outsiders is met with denial and defense. I admit that I have not read all the posts.
I totally agree with you Naomi, about balanced life and about fitness. I think that gym should be mandatory and they should offer activities that appeal to everyone, not just the jocks who into competitive sports. Like a class that provides a range of activities like aerobics, yoga, dance, biking, running, hiking, etc.
Maybe McDs (and all the big junk food companies,) could help if they provided funds to childrens’ activity clubs locally. Boys & girls clubs and other after school groups that provide healthy activities for kids.
Also, offer more healthy fare for young children. Wraps with veggies worked in, veggie and fruit sides that they would eat, unsweetened yogurt (sweetened with fruit or juice) etc.
OK Questions:
I hope we get real answers and not just spin.
Do they directly market to children here? I consider Playplace and Happy Meals marketing, do they?
Do they have ads directed at children anywhere in the world? If so, why is it OK to market to other children but not the children here?
How do they justify trying to attract the vulnerable like children and people living below the poverty line?
What about the environment and the effects of all the factory farms they buy from? Factory farming is really damaging to the environment (small, family farms are much less so, and possibly not at all).
How would they respond to the Meatrix? http://www.themeatrix.com/
That’s all for now, I have to go to work.
WOW!
What more can I add Jen and fellow McMom Naomi have said it quite well.
But, we do not get paid by McDonalds… well actually one time the CEO gave me a coupon for a Big Mac! Most of us actually take time off work and away from our families to go on these trips; and, as Naomi said we take it very seriously!
Please, please send us your constructive questions, we will ask the tough questions and report back. I will always remember Kathy asking the Cattlemans Assocication (in Alberta) how a slaughter could be humane???
I just feel really hurt that people would think that we were paid to do this. We all put our hearts into this to get to the facts, and it is like going to school, except we do NOT get paid.
On trips, I am bringing in questions that I have researched or questions that have been raised by other Moms & friends, and we ask them. We go on these trips to see the suppliers and hear directly from the top all the way down to the shareholders/employees on the floor, how everything works. It is a full 8 hour day of learning and we take it VERY SERIOUSLY as we know that we are representing all Canadian Moms.
We ask A LOT of questions so we can explain the process and see how we can help educate other Moms on how McDonald’s works behind the scenes. Many times our tours of suppliers have gone longer than expected, because we are asking so many questions, that we have ALL wanted to ask. Many times we are SURPRISED at the answer, because there is so much backlash about McDonalds, as you can witness through some posts, there are so many myths that I heard growing up and that I now know to be just that MYTHS.
I chose to do this, to learn the FACTS about McDonald’s and to find out about what my children are eating, when we do go there because we do eat at McDonald’s. I cherish this as a learning experience because I refuse to judge something without knowing the TRUTH first. I like to make informed decisions about everything that effects my family, and what an opportunity to look behind-the-scenes of McDonald’s to actually see how it is done.
If you choose to dislike McDonald’s that is your choice. I accept and do not judge you for your choice.
If you choose to inform yourself about McDonald’s then come hear and read what we have learned. If you have questions about McDonald’s, then post them here to us McMoms and we can find out the facts for you.
Can we please use this site for what it was intended for- that is information sharing, as Jen M has stated above.
I just want to make it very clear that UrbanMoms agreed to creating this section within our community despite the backlash we knew would happen because it was the right thing to do to bring an unbiased behind the scenes look at McDonald’s to our mom members. It was a great opportunity to gain perspective on something we never had access to before from the outside. The McMoms are NOT paid and were selected through a fair and unbiased process. Believe me, we would not have agreed to create this section if it had been otherwise. Who would that serve? Many of the McMoms were unsure of McDonald’s when they were selected and it was their time spent learning about the company and the processes that is reflected here.
This is an open forum where they can share their experiences but also to pose questions and concerns from them and our mom members. We at UrbanMoms only support programs with full disclosure. There is no hidden agenda here. This is an opportunity for moms to engage and learn from each other. This is about 5 moms finding out the truth behind the scenes of a huge corporate giant and communicating it here. I am a real mom behind UrbanMoms which is why I wanted the real moms of the McMoms program to have a place to share their experiences. This is about learning from each other so we are better able to make educated decisions for our families.
We are all entitled to our opinions and we knew going in to this that there are people who have decided to opt out of McDonald’s for their own reasons. However, I hope that most of us have an open mind and are looking for opportunities to learn when presented with information instead of closing ourselves off before we have even heard someone else’s perspective. The world is full of lots of different people. At UrbanMoms we hope to provide relevant information to those open to listen, regardless of the topic.
Kangaroo meat? Really, David? Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but let’s make sure we can substantiate our claims, especially when making an argument about credibility.
As far as advertising to children, as Corinne mentioned, the McMoms next assignment is all about McDonald’s marketing and strategic partnerships. They will be visiting the Marketing team and DreamWorks, a regular partner for co-promotion. If you have any questions or concerns that you would like the McMoms to ask or address, please post them here. They would be thrilled to find you the answers!
McDonald’s just uses it’s charitable activities as PR. They really don’t don’t care about people they care about profits. They come up with all this helping stuff to avert criticism. Remember when they sold kangaroo meat and put earthworms in the food?
How about the ‘fixed’ Monopoly game. Does anything think they still have credibility?
Their food is totally gross but they keep coming out with new unhealthy concoctions.
I guess it is about poor people making poor choices.
Erin,
We do not get paid. Our trips are paid for but it’s not like we are flying first class or anything like that. If they did not pay for the trips, I for one would not be able to attend anything & if they had chosen Moms who could pay for their trips then they probably wouldn’t be our average everyday Moms, which I believe why McDonald’s has chosen us.
I do not believe that you should eat McDonald’s everyday. I believe it should be a treat but just because we are not bashing McDonald’s doesnts mean we don’t have concerns.
McMom Kathy & I believe in changing the buns to whole wheat or at least 60% whole wheat instead of white buns. WE have told them this. Unfortunately, although McDonald’s is willing to look at making those changes and have introduced a whole wheat bun before with the veggie burger (which didn’t take), McDonald’s is still a business. As a wife of a business owner, I know changes cannot JUST happen overnight & after all , it is still a business. McDonalds’ is not the regulator of the Canada Food guide and they are not Health Canada. There has to be a market for them in order for them to provide, that’s where we do get frustrated. I personally just say “don’t give them a choice” but really, why do people come to McDonald’s, I am sure that they would not say it is “for the salads”. That is being honest there.
And as with any item with McDonald’s, they tried the salads gradually, to see if there was a market for them. They were first introduced (I think) in the early ’90’s but they just sparingly brought them about here in Canada until they caught on. I know they have as they did bring them in permanently and they are wonderful.
I believe in making changes but I also believe that it must be a process. Changes do not happen overnight, as we must still understand that McDonald’s is a business. My husband would not COMPLETELY change his business to be on the opposite spectrum, just like that, without having repercusions, basically he wouldn’t have a business if he did that. So I do not expect that from McDonald’s but they are recognizing that people & Moms do want more choices & ones that are healthier, I believe that they are being responsible by recognizing this, and seeing how that they can make that happen. I am amazed at how many myths I had heard, and my friends have heard that were not founded in ANY TRUTH.
I have read the articles you have found, and I know from researching many things on the internet, that you can always find articles that support you. I was wondering if you have found any Canadian journal articles researching the same case studies? I also know from doing my own research in the health field, that there are many factors that can taint or persuade participants to choose one way or another and for me to actually take that research as truth, I would almost have to see that all the variables & environment, to really concur this has happened. I am NOT saying that it didn’t but I know personally how when working with children, that simple things can easily sway them. That is why working with children in a research environment is so difficult, as I have done it.
I am very impressed that you are making changes in your food choices but talking to my very good friend, who is a Registered Dietician, it is not only the food but other determining factors such as fitness & environment/education & pre-existing conditions that also need to be recognized. I don’t know about you, but we had to take Physical Education in junior high (13-15yrs) and it was just optional in high school (16-17 yrs). As a Recreation Therapist, I find that apalling from the school system, as how can we encourage fitness education if it is not mandatory. Now with the costs of activity & programs like hockey, etc. going up, again parents or single parent families are going to have an even harder time keeping their kids active especially if they are not active themselves. Who will be their role models in that field? I am encouraging families to take part in programs that are free, but sometimes you need a vehicle or money for transit , or perhaps even money to buy some equipment.
I believe that overall wellness is not only physical but social, emotional, spiritual, and cognitive and balanced in all of those areas. Hard to obtain if it is not recognized how all those factors play a part.
By the way I’m not saying I’m perfect. As I educated myself about nutrition I started making small changes. I have been changing our diet over time, reducing processed foods. We are down to almost none, including bread (we make it in a bread machine). What helps us manage this is meal planning for the week. We use our slow cooker a lot. We almost always eat together. Sometimes though, I’m tired, the house is a mess and we buy a pizza or something for dinner.
We do have treats but not everyday. We do very occasionally eat at McDonald’s or other fast food restaurants, but it’s usually road trip food.
As a result, we keep our nutrient intake high and our sugar and salt intake low. It’s been a gradual process but we have all adjusted well and are healthier and happier.
Corrine,
I agree that parents need to educate their children (about many things, not just food). As we both know as teachers that does not happen in a lot of cases. There are lots of programs trying to educate: Health units, “Participaction” and similar campaigns, the school curriculum, etc. It is not working, yet. I am all for finding the right way to educate and help people learn about eating well.
I do not blame the corporations for everything but I do think they share the responsibility. Have you done any research on how strong the lobby groups are in the food industry? They often can force the government to accomodate them and change rules about food labeling or recommended allowances for sodium, etc.
I still have to see Food Inc. to learn more about the breadth of the problem. Margot has written a review of it on this site if you want to check it out.
As a society we are taking the “blue” pill. We are ignoring the problems.
What I think is interesting about Super Size Me is how quickly he showed liver damage and damage to other organs and systems. This is happening to everyone who eats processed foods, just not as quickly.
I have to ask the McMoms: Do you get paid? In any way? I wonder because no one will admit that there is anything bad or wrong about McDs.
Yes, one last post!
It completes my past two posts and puts it all in perspective.
My 12 year old (nearly 13) watched SuperSize Me a few days ago…
Now, in advance I have to stress that I did not give her my comments on the film before she watched it. But, I have tried my best to educate her on health and nutrition… but as with all teenagers, you wonder if the messages actually get heard!?
I did not watch the movie with her! So the next day, we start talking and I asked her what she thought of the movie? her take: Mom, how stupid can you be to blame it on McDonalds because you ate bad and did not exercise!
Oh, from the mouth of babes!
And, I guess am not doing such a bad job as first line educator, McMom, and a very busy active Urban Mom!!!!!!!!!!!!!
OK, yes it is me again. I try to keep it simple, but I am way to passionate!
On to the next issue >>> advertising to children!!!
Firstly, I live in Quebec and we are the most regulated province in the country on this issue… no brands of anything anywhere in our schools or on childrens television channels. We can not even have Scholastic book fairs in our schools, because it promotes one brand (publisher) over the others. But, it is amazing… kids still get the messages from the big brands. I see it everyday as a teacher in elementary scool.
So, what does McDonalds do on this front? I am not exactly sure yet. Our mandate to date as McMoms was the food quality… now, I will not start at that today… yes, they have the safest hamburgers in the world… even safer than the ones in my own kitchen.
But, this question or issue is quite timely because on our next McTrip the five McMoms are headed to the McDonalds Marketing Store where we will learn about McDonald’s standpoint and position on marketing to children, the positive contribution McDonald’s makes to these issues, and so on.
So, please send all your questions, concerns and issues and I promise to ask the questions and report back to you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hi all!
I have been itching to get on here all week, but I had meetings every night this week and…
Well some of the comments above are very interesting!
Firstly, as a Mom and as a teacher, I believe education is key! Information, through formal or informal education, is knowledge and knowledge is power. Likewise, parents are the first educators of their children. BUT, a major problem in our society today is too many parents have put aside this ultimate important responsibility and left the education of their children to others… schools, television, social groups, etc. And, thus the problems of high school drop out rates, poor eating habits, obesity, hybersexualisation, lack of physical exercise, etc. have become alarming issues! And, the very sad part is there is no sign of stopping.
So, before wasting our time blaming these issues on or attacking large corporations… stop and think how we can educate and equip the parents of the future to deal with these issue!!!???
What about Playland? Ronald McDonald? The toys are aggressive, especially when there is cross marketing involved with movie characters or other popular pop culture icons for kids. Don’t you think that Olympic athletes eating McDonald’s and the little critters in the happy meals. It’s a 2009 ad, I can’t tell where it’s from but that’s aggressive marketing in my book.
Remember Grimace and the Fry Guy and all those cute characters? Who were they appealing to? McDonald’s still has ads like that in countries that don’t regulate marketing toward children.
A McDonald’s in Florida wanted to advertise on report cards and offer happy meal rewards for good grades, the school board agreed because they go money from McDonald’s. The deal fell through due to public outcry but the motivation was and is still there. There are now laws to curb some of the advertising targeted toward children in a lot of countries. I just watched an ad for happy meals linked to Ice Age on YouTube.
Here are some articles about McDonald’s advertising to kids.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20148538/
(unfortunately my computer is acting up and won’t let me cut and past IRLs anymore so only one article)
And no, it’s not only McDonald’s, it’s the entire food industry. We’ve taken something as fundamental as nourishing our bodies and turned it into money making machinery. As a result we eat tons of processed foods with lots of sugar, salt, fat and few, if any, actual nutrients. There are lots of fabulous books and blogs out there about the food industry if people are interested. The Politics of Food by Marion Nestle is a good start. Here is a link to her blog http://www.foodpolitics.com
Here is a link that speaks directly to whether or not the junk food industry, which includes McDonald’s even though it is not directly mentioned, is a good partner in addressing nutrition issues. These companies are very, very powerful and ultimately the bottom line is money, not health. We, as a society, have been duped.
http://www.usnews.com/health/articles/2008/10/17/10-things-the-food-industry-doesnt-want-you-to-know.html?PageNr=1
Erin,
I do not believe it is ethical to aggressively market to children. I would like to know how you think McDonald’s aggressively markets to children as I do not see them doing this. They do not have McDonald’s in high schools but I have seen a Subway, & a White Spot in high schools. My children would not know of McDonald’s other than us taking them there. I have been to many children’s fairs and markets, and McDonald’s is not there with a stand or sign or a kiosk.
Just because they have toys does not classify them as an aggressive marketer to children.
Here is my question. Is it ethical to create unhealthy food and aggressively market it to children? In my opinion, no.
In my small city, McDonald does help families! There’s a group here that helps low income families and they offer many great programs. McDonalds has been helping to support this program for many years and I know I sure appreciate that! When my kids were little, I was a member of this group. Thanks, McDonalds!
It’s not health food but I see nothing wrong with going there for a treat. It’s all in moderation.
I think Mcd’s is an amazing employer for teenagers. I worked there for 7 years when I was a kid. It was a wonderful experience. I believe I recall McD’s being one of the number one employers. They really do treat their employees well.
I have also had the experience of living at Ronald Mcdonald house and I would not have survived that difficult time without them. Those houses are amazing.
I think it is a wonderful company and they offer a great treat every now and then.
I guess I believe that it is the responsibility of the individual and parent to be informed. If they lack the education, then that is a reflection of our community and our lack of importance on educating people which I guess will in turn show up in our increasing numbers and strain on our healthcare system. I work in healthcare and prevention & education is definitely NOT a priority because it is so hard to measure the results. I just think that it is not right to place the blame on one thing, that being fast food. I do not believe we can escape from it, but we can be the voice of change and McDonald’s is asking us what we want to change! That is more than many other restaurants or fast food chain is providing. I think that is a very impressive that they ARE making changes. They don’t have to. They could go the way of Burger King and make everything even more fatty & caloric heavy. I think it is a step in the right direction, and change can be made when we add all those little steps together. IT can turn into one big hurdle & I think that McDonald’s doing this is showing us that they are listening to their customers. They are listening to us Moms.
What do you think they could do to make a significant change FreshnLocal?
Ronald McDonald Children’s Charities. Yes it’s still branding the McDonald’s name, but from what I’ve heard, the RM Houses are a God-send to families of terminally ill children.
Their food is terrible yes, but at least some of their money is doing some good.
I agree, FreshnLocal. It is definitely hard to fight someone or something that holds way more power than you. It must also be incredibly frustrating and frightening to see the impact that our sedentary culture has on young people and whole families. I can definitely see why fast food would be seen as the enemy! We are so busy at our house that it is not fast food restaurants as much as pre-packaged foods that seem to be an easy out for a quick meal a little too often for my liking these days.
However, the one thing I have learned through the McMoms program is that McDonald’s is willing and eager to work together to affect change. There is no doubt that at times it is self-promoting but sometimes it is the opposite and actually exposes some parts of the process, etc that they need to pay attention to.
Of course, it is easy for me to sit here and simplify this problem and boil it down to a partnership solution. But I am not in the trenches working with families like you are. If you could tell McDonald’s a thing or two about how they should change, I mean realistically, what would you say?
A very interesting question. I guess from my point of view, McD’s and fast food is a reality. They are here to stay. We can’t turn back time and do it “right”. We are here so we have to figure out how to move forward and fix this problem. If the only way to do that is to work with McDonald’s then let’s do it. They have a lot of money that they could be putting into other things so hopefully these PR campaigns not only drive their sales but also increase awareness and make steps toward change. I don’t see any other fast food companies taking any responsibility for the problem so I guess that is a start.
As for the healthy options on the menu this poses the question that I am always thinking about. When does the responsibility to make the “right” choice become the individuals? “You can lead a horse to water but you can’t make him drink.” When is it outside of McDonald’s control and time for the individual to avoid temptation? Because McDonald’s, as much as some people might wish it would, is not going anywhere.