McDonald's Is Putting Books About Healthy Living In 20 Million Happy Meals
Starting Nov. 1, in time for National Family Literacy Day, the fast food chain will give away 20 million books that about healthy living. The promotion will last two weeks.
The four books will feature animals who learn to eat right and lead an active lifestyle. Parents can also download the books from the McDonalds' Happy Meal website.
McDonald's is working hard to shed its reputation for selling unhealthy food. It has rolled out healthy menu options, said it would stop advertising soda with kids' meals, and denied that it sells junk food.
One advocacy group called "Value the Meal" told ABC News, "By associating the brand with a message of healthy eating, it's tricking kids and parents into thinking that McDonald's has their best interests in mind."
But others in England - where the book-as-toy gimmick was beta-tested - thought the fast food chain should do more book promotions.