Governor Carney Signs “Health Kids Meal” Law Into Effect

On Wednesday, Delaware Governor John Carney signed into law a House Bill that would require the offering of healthy beverages as a default at restaurants.

House Bill 79 was signed into law in the 2019 session, regulating that beverages deemed healthy like milk or water be offered as the default for children’s menu options, while still offering drinks like soda at the customer’s request.

The Governor signed the bill joined by Representative Melissa Minor Brown, The American Heart Association and other members of the Delaware General Assembly at the Route 9 Library and Innovation Center in New Castle.

Proponents of the bill say children are consuming more than 30 million gallons of sugary drinks each year, “leading to issues related to obesity, diabetes and dental hygiene.” Opponents argue it takes away from parental choice in raising their own children.