Fast-food giant McDonald's began adding apple slices to Happy Meals in metro Atlanta Friday, a move designed to appeal to nutrition-conscious consumers and ultimately boost sales.
The meals, targeted at young children, generally include the choice of Chicken McNuggets, a hamburger or a cheeseburger and fries. The company cut the portion of fries in half to accommodate the apples, which come in a small bag of six pre-cut slices.
To promote the change, which will go nationwide early next year, metro Atlanta diners who buy a Happy Meal can get another one free between the hours of 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. through Sept. 22 in the area's more than 280 McDonald's stores.
"The idea behind this is to help parents make a better choice for their children," said Vivian De Jesus, an operator of five metro McDonald's. "We are concerned about nutrition. We see the obesity in children."
The fast-food industry has been heavily criticized by nutritionists and children's advocates for contributing to the nation's increasing childhood obesity epidemic. The problem is especially pronounced in so-called "food deserts," areas where there are no grocery stores.
McDonald's has had apples on its menu since 2004 as a side item or Happy Meal option, but decided to make it a permanent part of the package to ensure children get them and cut costs for parents, said Donavon Groen, president of the Greater Atlanta McDonald’s Operator’s Association.
Georgia State University hospitality professor David Pavesic said the industry is under pressure to revamp some of its menu items in an effort to retain customers. Making apples part of the Happy Meal helps McDonald's reduce the calorie count, score good public relations and increase business by attracting parents looking for more healthy options.
"The market is always changing and the last thing you want to be is stagnant. They want consumers to know that they are listening," said Mark Newton of Gwinnett Tech's hotel, restaurant and tourism management program.
At the McDonald's on Northside Parkway in north Atlanta Friday, Smyrna mother Maria Smith said she always buys a side of apples for her children, Nina-Rose, 4, Bryce, 2, and Cole, 1. Making apples part of the package sends a message to kids that fruits and vegetables are part of a normal diet, which she said is critical for young children.
Nadine Bishop, a Marietta resident also at the restaurant, agreed, saying McDonald's move makes what parents are teaching at home consistent.
Her only issue: The downsizing of the fries means she'll have to buy a full serving as a side item in order to satisfy her sons.
"You can see how much they love them because they are eating mine," she said, pointing to Walker, 2, and Fletcher, 4.
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