- 18 August, 2004 -

Wendy's Restaurants today announced it has entered into a nutrition education initiative with the American Dietetic Association, the nation's largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. Plans call for an educational program designed to help consumers make informed choices when dining out. Wendy's and ADA will work together to produce a variety of educational tools and materials that will be distributed in Wendy's stores. Consumer counseling materials will also be distributed to ADA's nearly 70,000 members. In addition to the extensive nutrition and ingredient information it already provides, Wendy's plans to use in-store materials and its Web site to encourage people to consult a registered dietitian on how to make the right choices for their individual diet and lifestyle needs. "Menu options and helpful information for people looking to manage their diet are part of the Wendy's tradition. We've provided nutrition information for more than 25 years and our comprehensive nutrition Web site at wendys.com is visited by thousands of people each day. We've done this because it's a real benefit for our customers," said Tom Mueller, president, Wendy's North America. "The American Dietetic Association is committed to promoting optimal nutrition, health and well being to the public," said registered dietitian and ADA President Susan H. Laramee. "ADA is pleased to work with Wendy's on a nutrition education program that will help raise consumer awareness of sound nutrition principles and provide guidance on how consumers can integrate these principles into today's busy lifestyles. "ADA also appreciates the steps that Wendy's is taking to provide customers with an expanded range of menu choices that makes it more convenient and practical to order meals that fit their individual nutrition needs and preferences," said Laramee. Most recently, Wendy's announced several menu changes as part of an ongoing commitment to providing nutritious choices. Wendy's now offers the option of substituting milk and a fruit cup for soft drinks and French fries in its Kids' Meals. Additionally, a combo meal choices program is being tested where customers can substitute chili, a baked potato or side salad in place of French fries. Franchisee and registered, licensed dietitian Beth Salimbene, a member of Wendy's national marketing committee, commented on the ADA agreement: "As a practicing dietitian for 30 years, I know first-hand how difficult it is to manage a diet while you're on the run. As an owner of four Wendy's restaurants, I am proud that we're providing great food, useful information and sound guidance through our ADA initiative." Wendy's Old Fashioned Hamburgers was founded in 1969 by Dave Thomas and is the third-largest quick-service hamburger chain in the world with 6,535 restaurants in North America and international markets.

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