Tell Mickey Mouse Thanks (and Disney CEO Bob Iger, Too!)
The Walt Disney Company recently announced that it will apply nutritional standards to foods and beverages advertised to children through its television, radio and online outlets. This is a welcome move, as Disney is the first major media company to announce such a comprehensive marketing policy.
The food industry spends $2 billion every year marketing predominantly unhealthy food and beverages to kids. By setting such comprehensive marketing standards, Disney is helping protect our kids from these ads and setting an example for what other media companies could do.
Take action and thank Disney for doing the right thing for kids' health.
Dear Mr. Iger,
I'm writing to thank you and the entire Walt Disney Company for your decision to apply nutritional criteria to all food and beverages marketed to children through your media channels. I appreciate that you are taking this important step forward to build on your previous commitments to limit unhealthy food marketing to children.
As you know, the food and beverage industry spends $2 billion advertising to our kids every year. That money shapes how young people expect to be fed, and unfortunately, too many of the ads they see are for sugary, salty and fatty foods.
I am pleased to see your commitment building on the nutrition standards you previously set for food associated with Disney characters, and the improvements to the food sold at your theme parks. I hope you continue in this positive direction!
By adopting a more comprehensive marketing policy, you are setting a standard that other media companies should follow. Mickey Mouse might be the leader of the club, but the Walt Disney Company is leading the media pack when it comes to protecting kids. Thank you again.
