Call on McDonald's to stop clowning with our kids' health

Thanks for joining the National Day of Action!

McDonald’s knows our kids are vulnerable to marketing from brand icons like Ronald. Yet for nearly 50 years the corporation has used Ronald to hook kids on its unhealthy food, helping to ensure that one in three children born in the year 2000 are at risk for developing diet-related diseases as a result of poor nutrition.

Tell McDonald's CEO Jim Skinner to take an important step forward towards saving a generation of children from devastating and preventable illness.

Subject:

Your Letter:

Dear CEO Skinner,

I’m writing to ask you to take an important step forward towards saving a generation of children from devastating and preventable illness.

The national epidemic of diet-related disease puts our children’s health and lives at stake.

Young children cannot understand advertising’s persuasive intent, yet McDonald’s targets them directly with millions of dollars in marketing.

Ronald McDonald is one of the most recognized and effective icons in marketing to children, setting them up for a lifetime of unhealthy eating habits and, ultimately, chronic disease.

In a national search, Ronald was found reaching out to children everywhere that kids are – on the internet, in schools, children’s libraries and hospitals.

McDonald’s use of Ronald undermines and works at cross-purposes to parents’ efforts to make healthy food choices for their families.

A national poll released in March 2010 demonstrates the writing is on the wall. Ronald McDonald continues to be effective – and even continues to be liked. But about half the public would like to see him retired, including nearly half of those who have a favorable opinion of him. Ronald deserves a break, and so does our kids’ health.

It’s time McDonald’s stopped targeting our kids directly with fast food marketing, beginning with the retirement of Ronald McDonald.

Sincerely,

James Skinner

McDonald's

Corporate Accountability International on Facebook and Twitter.

“Corporate Accountability International does so much with modest resources. Their accomplishments are remarkable. I am happy to contribute because I believe my gifts are having a disproportionately big impact, while the world is moved closer to my vision of fairness.”

Marcia Levine, Member since 1988

Call on McDonald's to stop clowning with our kids' health

James Skinner

Main menu

Follow Us

How is your donation spent?

Charity Navigator: Four Star Charity

BBB: Accredited Charity

Signup

Search form

Call on McDonald's to stop clowning with our kids' health

James Skinner

Main menu

Follow Us

How is your donation spent?

Charity Navigator: Four Star Charity

BBB: Accredited Charity