McCain Foods joins health foundation

Lisle-based McCain Foods, the world's largest maker of frozen prepared potatoes, has joined the Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation (HWCF) in its pledge to reduce obesity, especially among children aged 6 to 11, by 2015.

McCain Foods will provide support for programs and activities designed to help people achieve a healthy weight by balancing energy consumed with energy expended through physical activity.

HWCF activities focus on three specific areas -- the marketplace, the workplace and schools. "At McCain, we've made a commitment to innovation that has resulted in great-tasting French fries and other potato products that are in tune with today's taste and health needs," said Frank Finn, Chief Operating Officer, McCain Foods, USA. "In addition to making the best French fry and potato choices, we're helping educate people about the nutritional benefits of our products. Potatoes - and the French fries that are cut from them - are packed with meaningful nutrients, from fiber to potassium (more than a banana) to Vitamins B6 and K."

More than 40 HWCF member companies are reformulating products, modifying calorie labels for greater visibility, reducing portion sizes of existing single-serve products, and/or promoting healthful eating, according to the Foundation.