American Heart Association (AHA) CEO Nancy Brown applauded McDonald’s leadership in ensuring kids’ meals at the fast food giant will offer more fruits, vegetables, whole grains water and low-fat dairy for “millions of families globally” as part of a long-term global growth plan.

“With more than 40 percent of young children eating fast food on a given day, the American Heart Association encourages all restaurants to ensure families have healthier options that positively impact the health of children,” Brown said in a statement released Feb. 15. “Restaurant offerings and advertising practices play a significant role in driving consumer demand for healthy menu items. We believe the entire restaurant industry can help achieve the American Heart Association’s goals to improve heart health by making healthy menus the norm for kids’ meals. This is particularly impactful when families are eating out on a budget.”

Among the new health-based initiatives, McDonald’s will offer balanced meals, simplified ingredients and easier access to nutritional information for kids’ meals

“Today, we applaud McDonald's leadership in offering healthier kids’ meals that will considerably increase consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, water and low-fat dairy for millions of families globally,” the statement read. “This is an important step in the right direction and we look forward to seeing how today's announcement will lead to kids eating fewer calories and less sugar, saturated fat and sodium. In addition to offering healthier meal combinations, McDonald’s commitment to promoting water and advertising healthier side items in kids’ meals will further the momentum in consumer demand for healthier foods and beverages.”

The AHA recommends children over the age of 2 should not consume more than one small sugary drink per week, including lemonade, soda and fruit drinks, which are often included in kids’ meals. Sugary drinks have been linked to chronic diseases such as heart disease, obesity and diabetes.

“The American Heart Association remains committed to ensuring that all families have access to healthier choices for their children and will continue to aggressively advocate for change that promotes healthy foods and beverages,” the statement concluded.