McDonald’s owners offer grants for local nutrition programs
Source: QSR Magazine on April 18, 2012
Grantees in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut will receive funding for programs that "help people make informed food choices."Marketing has a profound affect on the foods we eat and the beverages we drink, yet most of that marketing is for products we should avoid. BMSG monitors the media to help keep advocates informed of the tactics food and beverage companies use to target children, communities of color, and other groups that are particularly susceptible to the health harms these products cause. Below are archives of our monitoring.
Planters targets male shoppers with new Men’s Health Recommended Mix
Source: Advertising Age on April 17, 2012
Planters has partnered with Men's Health magazine to release a new line of health snacks for men. The partnership is intended to capitalize on male shoppers' interest in healthy eating.Studies question the pairing of food deserts and obesity
Source: The New York Times on April 17, 2012
An article from The New York Times summarizes the findings of new research on low-income urban neighborhoods, often described as "food deserts". One study suggests that such neighborhoods may actually contain more food options than affluent neighborhoods, while the other indicates that there is no relationship between the food environment and childhood obesity. These research findings have inspired a great deal of commentary and discussion.UK doctors call for crackdown on junk food marketing
Source: MarketingWeek on April 16, 2012
A UK-based organization of doctors' groups has suggested placing restrictions on junk food marketing as a strategy to reduce obesity rates. Proposals include banning brands like McDonald's and Coca-Cola from sponsoring the Olympics and other sporting events, ending "the use of celebrities and cartoon characters to market unhealthy food and drinks to children," and taxing foods high in fat and salt.Mountain Dew expands TV presence in areas with poor sales
Source: Advertising Age on April 16, 2012
The brand plans to spend up to 40% of its TV budget on high-profile ads during The Simpsons and other popular shows. The ads will feature professional athletes and stars like rapper Lil Wayne.Alcohol advertisers launch self-regulation pact in Europe
Source: Advertising Age on April 16, 2012
European alcohol regulators launched a Responsible Marketing Pact last week. The Pact is intended to prevent children from seeing alcohol marketing on social media, to reduce children's exposure to alcohol advertising overall, and to ensure that alcohol ads primarily appeal to adults.… And love handles for all
Source: The New York Times on April 16, 2012
Frank Bruni, columnist for The New York Times, uses the premiere of the multiplatform project "The Weight of a Nation" as a springboard to reframe the discussion about obesity and the food environment. He argues that obesity may be "what comes naturally to us", and calls for an overhaul of the food environment.When brands personify our food … and go social
Source: GrownUp Thinking on April 16, 2012
GrownUp Thinking, a blog produced by New York-based marketing firm Mr Youth, discusses the implications of advertising that personifies food. Their analysis includes new campaigns from M&Ms, Cheetos, and other brands that increasingly use social media to expand their spokescharacter's cultural impact.Papa Murphy’s targets kids with branded pizza-making kits
Source: QSR Magazine on April 13, 2012
Papa Murphy's pizza chain recently launched child-sized pizza-making kits, which are similar to the brand's other "take-and-bake" products. The promotion features in-store advertising placed at kids' level.New Taco Bell menu item boosts brand buzz
Source: MediaPost on April 13, 2012
Taco Bell's new Doritos Locos menu item has significantly increased buzz about the chain, according to the BrandIndex Buzz score.