Walt Disney

We salute Walt Disney Company for its announcement on Tuesday that starting in 2015 (due to existing contracts) the company will be supporting the help to fight childhood obesity. Disney has imposed new standards on food advertising on the company-owned tv stations, radio stations, and websites. By doing this, children will be less exposed to junk-food ads while watching children programs. Along with this they have agreed to sponsor public service announcements promoting healthy eating choices and exercise to children. The company also will begin selling Disney food products, that meet its nutritional criteria, in grocery stores. The criteria includes lower calories, saturated fats, sodium and sugar. These products will display the Disney logo. The company has also stated that it will improve the food that is served at its theme parks. Many hope that with Disney doing this it will set an example for other large companies whose audiences are children.

This is just one of a number of steps that have been taken recently to promote healthier lifestyles in the United States. Over a year ago first lady, Michelle Obama began her campaign "Let’s Move" to help fight childhood obesity. The first lady supported this announcement by stating, "Disney is doing what no major media company has ever done before in the United States, and what I hope every company will do going forward. When it comes to the ads they show and the food they sell, they're asking themselves one simple question: 'Is this good for our kids?'"

Another step that recently was taken in May was that Mayor Bloomberg of New York City proposed a ban on sodas and sugary drinks larger than 16 ounces being sold in restaurants and at evenst in New York City.

As family law attorneys working with parents struggling to raise their children well, we are seeing an increasing concern about childhood obesity. It is exciting to see public officials and large corporations taking on this problem in a constructive way.

This article was written by Phoebe P. Hall. Managing Partner/Attorney, Hall & Hall, PLC, 1401 Huguenot Road, Suite 100, Midlothian, VA 23113, and 4323 Cox Road, Suite 100, Glen Allen, VA 23060, Tel: (804) 897-1515, Fax (804) 897-2499