Hannah Thompson, director of the University of California's Nutrition Policy Institute, spoke with ABC 10 reporter Jackson Ellison about a new California bill that would require a healthy meal on kids’ menus at chain restaurants. California Senate Bill 764 would mandate chain restaurants, with 20 or more locations, that sell children's meals ensure at least one meal offered meets specific nutrition standards—contain no more than 550 calories; limits for sodium, added sugars, saturated fat and trans fat; and include at least 2 servings of fruit, vegetables, low-fat dairy, meat or a meat alternative, or whole grains. "Having a healthy meal at chains, especially fast-food places, will help especially the families that have to rush from one thing to another. Families are so busy... not everybody has the time, the opportunity to stay at home and cook a meal,” Thompson shared. "I can also (send the) message to my kids ahead of time and set expectations like, yes, we can eat at this restaurant, but you have to have this meal choice,” said Thompson, a mother of two. Thompson's interview was published by ABC 10 on Sept. 11, 2025, "California bill would require a healthy meal on kids’ menus at chain restaurants." California law already mandates that chain restaurant's offering kids' meals ensure the default beverage is water, unflavored milk or a nondairy milk alternative. Previous research conducted by Thompson and NPI researchers showed limited implementation of the healthy default beverage policy for restaurant kids' meals sold online.
