“Every day, all around the globe, we put people, processes and practices into place to make quality food, more responsible sourcing choices, a stronger community and a better planet. In accordance with our McDonald’s values, we’re here to make a difference.”
As one of the most frequented restaurants in the world, McDonald's recognizes the opportunity we have with families. In 2013, we began working with the Alliance for a Healthier Generation to develop a comprehensive plan for 20 major markets to increase customers' access to fruit, vegetables, low-fat dairy and water; many of these markets are ahead of schedule in their progress on those prior commitments.
Over the years, parents have responded enthusiastically to our ingredient and menu changes and we've made real progress. When soda was removed from the Happy Meal section of U.S. menu boards, we saw positive shifts in consumer behavior, and the number of Happy Meals served with water, milk, or juice has since increased by 14 percentage points. As of November 2017, and for the first time, more than half of Happy Meals served in the U.S. have included water, milk or juice as the beverage of choice rather than soda and other beverages. We know we can continue making meaningful changes for the millions of families who visit McDonald's restaurants.
Our Investment in People
At McDonald's, people are the face of our brand and critical to our success. Our ambition is to leverage our scale, training and education programs to build a path forward for people that supports their goals no matter where they are in their lives.
For those who choose to build a career with McDonald's, training, education and leadership development programs can take them to the highest levels in our organization or with our Franchisees. And for those who decide to move on, they will take with them valuable work-readiness skills like teamwork, interpersonal communication and a strong work ethic to help them succeed in their next role.
Surrounding every McDonald's restaurant is a neighborhood with rich potential but also social challenges. We know that our business can only thrive if these communities thrive too.
That's why, as well as creating lasting social and economic value through our day-to-day business, we've been making a direct contribution to Ronald McDonald House Charities since 1974. This is not only the right thing to do; it helps us connect better with McDonald's employees, investors and wider society.
