National Restaurant Association Announces Healthy Chillers Maker as New Kids LiveWell Program Sponsor

WASHINGTON, Oct. 26, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National Restaurant Association (NRA) today announced that Steve's Frozen Chillers, maker of Healthy Chillers, has become a new sponsor of the NRA's award-winning Kids LiveWell(SM) program, a voluntary industry-wide initiative designed to help parents make the healthful choice the easy choice for their children when dining out. 

"The National Restaurant Association commends the Healthy Chillers team for its support of children's nutrition as a sponsor of the Kids LiveWell program," said Scott DeFife, Executive Vice President, Policy and Government Affairs for the NRA. "It's been exciting to watch various segments of the foodservice industry participate in this groundbreaking initiative to enhance the dining experience for restaurant customers of all ages."

Steve Schoenberg, CEO of Steve's Frozen Chillers, said "We are thrilled to be part of the Kids LiveWell initiative. After hearing First Lady Michelle Obama speak in 2010, we made it our mission to create a healthy, fun way for children to consume more fruits and vegetables and less junk foods."

Schoenberg further noted that the Healthy Chillers product line can be incorporated into Kids LiveWell meals that meet established nutrition criteria. Healthy Chillers – available in apple, strawberry mango, orange and peach – have no added sugar or artificial coloring and can be served as a frozen drink or as cold juice. An 8-ounce serving provides two and a fourth servings of fruit and a half serving of vegetables.

The NRA launched Kids LiveWell in 2011 to help restaurants highlight their better-for-you menu choices for children. To join the program, restaurants agree to offer and promote a selection of items that meet qualifying criteria based on leading health organizations' scientific recommendations, including the 2010 USDA Dietary Guidelines. The initiative focuses on increasing consumption of fruit and vegetables, lean protein, whole grains and low-fat dairy, and limiting fats, sugars and sodium. Currently, Kids LiveWell includes more than 110 restaurant brands representing nearly 30,000 locations nationwide.

The NRA developed Kids LiveWell in collaboration with Healthy Dining, whose team of registered dietitians works with restaurants to identify and validate the qualifying menu choices. Participating restaurants and their qualifying items can be found on HealthyDiningFinder.com, and also via a free Kids LiveWell App in the Android Market and iTunes app store.

Started in 2001 in Boynton Beach, FL, Steve's Frozen Chillers & Smoothies is the #2 frozen beverage product in the USA, and a staple product in many food establishments. Steve's Frozen Chillers & Smoothies has continued to grow by expanding their product line, which now includes: Slushees, Smoothies, Energy Drinks, On The Rocks, Frozen Cappuccinos, Soft Serve Ice Cream and Healthy Chillers. Products are available in a wide range of venues including arenas, sporting venues, conference centers and schools.

Founded in 1919, the National Restaurant Association is the leading business association for the restaurant industry, which comprises 970,000 restaurant and foodservice outlets and a workforce of nearly 13 million employees. Together with the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation, the Association works to lead America's restaurant industry into a new era of prosperity, prominence, and participation, enhancing the quality of life for all we serve.

SOURCE National Restaurant Association