Final Proposition Paper

Position Paper: Draft
Nov. 23, 2010
Contact:
Nick Rust
Burger Planet
assistant public relations account executive
Phone: 206-878-5001
Fax: 206-878-5007
Email: nickrust@burgerplanet.com
Website: https://www.burgerplanet.com


POSITION STATEMENT


Obesity Rates Rising Among Americans

To combat the increase in weight gain, Burger Planet will offer low-calorie menu and nutrition education


During the past 20 years there has been a dramatic increase in obesity in the United States. Sixty four percent of women, 72 percent of men and 1 out of 3 children now qualify as being obese. Obesity is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, certain types of cancer, and type 2 diabetes (1). If Americans do not change their eating habits and stay active, obesity and disease rates will continue to increase.

Some reasons that factor into the increase of obesity are: the American lifestyle has become quicker, schedules are busier, children are spending more time watching TV instead of staying physically active, and one out of five mothers have a full time job (3).

The concept of a quick service restaurant (QSR) was developed near the turn of the twentieth century and since then over 160,000 QSRs has been established throughout America (4). As a result the popularity of QSRs has increased over the past 20 years. The convenience of QSRs has led one out of four Americans to eat at a QSR daily (2).

In 1970 Americans spent about $6 billion on fast food compared and in 2000 they spent more than $110 billion. Americans now spend more money at QSRs than on higher education, computer software and new cars (5). The demand for QSRs will not decrease, so providing our customers with a low-calorie alternative to a burger and fries is important. In moderation quick service food is fine, but in excess too much can be harmful. Staying active by exercising regularly is also key to battling obesity.
Americans should be aware about the risks of eating too many high-calorie foods. Burger Planet has an obligation to its customers to provide low calorie alternatives to the menu and nutritional education.

Two goals Burger Planet has are to improve the nutrition of our customers and provide easy to access nutrition information. To counter act the trend of obesity Burger Planet has revamped their menu to supply their customers with a new low-calorie menu. One option customers will have is to order a white meat chicken breast wrapped in lettuce to make a low carbohydrate meal. Unlike our competitors, customers will now have the option of requesting a hold on their condiments for anything they order. Holding mayonnaise can reduce up to 500 calories off any meal. Burger Planet will also substitute fries with fruit packets and gourmet salads.

In addition to the new low-calorie menu, Burger Planet will hire a fitness expert to help educate customers about nutrition and healthy lifestyle choices. To show our dedication to our customers’ health, the expert will join Corny the Clown on a national nutrition tour to numerous Burger Planet locations and shopping malls supplying nutrition information to the public.

Founded in 1934 by James E. Muellenbach I and headquartered in Gary, Ind., Burger Planet has served over 52 billion customers and counting. At last count Burger Planet has 8,921 franchises across the world and employs 48,272 people. Burger Planet is the leader of the quick service restaurant industry and, although retired, Muellenbach I is the current president of the Quick Service Restaurant Association.

http://answers.yourdictionary.com/answers/food-cooking/what-percent-of-americans-eat-fast-food.html (daily)(2)
www.americanprogress.org (3)
www.cdc.gov (1)
www.numberof.net (4)
Fast Food Nations by Eric Schlosser (Chp. 1) (5)