Martin Ray A. Arcibal
English 10 HP 3°
December 6, 2010
Think “Inside” the Bun: Think McDonald’s
From its humble beginnings as a local barbeque restaurant (McDonald's History - About
McDonald's), McDonald’s has grown as one of the world’s largest fast-food chains, serving
more than fifty-eight million customers daily (McDonald's Delivers Another Strong Year of
Results in 2008). McDonald’s promotes healthy living by providing meals that can improve or
maintain a person’s health. McDonald’s provides toys in each happy meal and playplaces that
entertain children while parents are having their meals. In addition, McDonald’s uses part of its
everyday earnings to fund the Ronald McDonald House Charities. Through its nutritional meals,
family-friendly service, and the Ronald McDonald House Charities, McDonald’s is by far, more
superior than Taco Bell.
Concerned citizens have complained about the unhealthy meals that fast-food restaurants
often offer. They complain about the various health hazards posed by constant visits to these
types of restaurants. Due to technological advances, people do not engage in physical activities
like they used to. Eating meals that contain a lot of calories can add to the problem of weight
gain or other health problems. Through the wide range of meals McDonald’s has to offer, people
can choose healthy and satisfying meals. Unlike the “Frescos Menu,” the nutritional option Taco
Bell has provided, the salads that McDonald’s have promoted generally have lower calories and
lower amounts of sodium per serving. The average caloric intake of all of the salads that
McDonald’s offers is 185 (Nutrition :: McDonalds.com), while the Frescos average 250 (Taco
Bell® | Full Nutrition Information). When it comes to sodium levels, McDonald’s’ salads average
544 mg of sodium (Nutrition :: McDonalds.com), while Taco Bell’s Frescos average 938 mg of
sodium (Taco Bell® | Full Nutrition Information). This means that there is a lower chance that a
person eating at McDonald’s will have a large weight gain (Diet - Calories Nutrition - Nutrition,
Function, Side Effects - NY Times Health Information) or will suffer from urinary tract infection
(Sodium in Diet Nutrition - Nutrition, Function, Side Effects - NY Times Health Information), than
a person eating at Taco Bell. This promotion of healthy living is one of the best reasons why
McDonalds is clearly better than Taco Bell. Adding to the convenience of nutritional meals is the
fact that McDonald’s franchises offer toys with every happy meal and that some establishments
offer playplaces for children.
Parents often complain about the stress they feel from the restlessness of their children
after meals, and about not being able to enjoy their own meals because of this agitation.
McDonald’s has again eased this burden by providing toys that come with happy meals, and, in
the case of some establishments, a playplace that can provide children the fun, excitement, and
exercise they need after a meal. The toys provided with each happy meal are classified based on
gender, which prevents any arguments between siblings (Happy Meals :: McDonalds.com).
These toys preoccupy the children for an ample amount of time to allow parents to enjoy their
meals in McDonald’s. In some franchises, McDonald’s provides playplaces for children
(PlayPlace & Parties :: McDonalds.com). These playplaces usually consist of indoor
gymnasiums, tunnels, slides, and ball-pits, but may include more attraction that varies with the
establishment. These play-places not only distract children while their parents are eating their
meals, but also the necessary exercise that children need to “burn-off” the calories they took in
after eating. These conveniences provide parents the chance to enjoy every minute with their
families, without being bothered by the stress of everyday life. McDonald’s also brings families
together through the Ronald McDonald House Charities.
“We believe that when you change a child’s life, you change a family’s, which can
change a community, and ultimately the world” (Ronald McDonald House Charities). This is the
vision of the Ronald McDonald House Charities, the charity supported and funded by
McDonald’s for thirty-six years. The RMHC provides healthcare to less fortunate people and
accommodations for the families of hospitalized children. The RMHC also provides U.S.
scholarships to those students who cannot attend college due to financial need, but displays
“academic achievement, leadership, and community involvement” (Ronald McDonald House
Charities). In 2003, Joan Kroc, wife of Ray Kroc, the founder of McDonald’s, donated $60
million to the RMHC (Ronald McDonald House Charities). Portions of the annual earnings of
McDonald’s, together with individual donations, are used to help fund this nonprofit
organization. Not only that, but each of the McDonald’s stores around the world have donation
boxes, which are the largest source of RMHC Global Fundraising. Also, all employees of
McDonald’s are dedicated volunteers for this foundation. By becoming the most prominent fastfood chain around the world, more local branches are established, therefore creating more jobs
for people. With additional franchises open to the public, more support is given to this
foundation. Through the funding received, children are saved from illnesses, families become
closer to one another, and more students receive the education they deserve. Through the meals
purchased in McDonald’s, more and more people are rescued from the harsh realities of life.
McDonald’s is the clear choice for customers who are looking for an affordable meal. It
promotes healthy living by creating menus that have good nutritional values. Parents can enjoy
their meals while keeping their children entertained. McDonalds funds the Ronald McDonald
House Charities, which continually gives back to the public. Future customers must consider the
fact that McDonald’s not only benefits the customer, but also the community.
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