Fishers, N.Y. – New York state apples were on display this week when McDonald’s restaurant operators in the Albany capital region hosted an Open Door Tour event for local leaders, media and bloggers.
McDonald’s restaurants in the region serve fresh-cut apple slices that are sourced from New York state apples. The event highlighted these locally-sourced fresh apple slices as one example of healthy food choices that are served at McDonald’s. New York Apple Association Marketing Director Molly Golden was on hand at the event to represent the New York state apple industry.
The Sept. 23 event was the first of three that McDonald’s Operators of the Capital District are hosting to give a behind-the-scenes look at a local restaurant to showcase its menu, food quality and commitment to the community. Owner/Operators John and Kathie Reeher welcomed guests including legislators, local business owners, media and bloggers to their Crossgates Commons restaurant in Albany for this unique behind-the-counter tour.
“As a mom myself, I know how important it is for parents to feel comfortable with the restaurant choices they make for their families,” said Golden. “The whole family loves healthy, delicious apple slices, and the local McDonald’s restaurants are supporting our growers by sourcing slices locally.”
Golden told attendees about NYAA’s work to highlight apples as an easy choice for healthy living. She noted that McDonald’s sources New York state apple varieties such as Gala and Empire because they naturally resist browning.
Other presenters included John Cisna and local nutritionists. Cisna received national attention earlier this year after losing nearly 60 pounds during a student-led experiment on the power of choice in the diet. He lost the weight on an all-McDonald’s diet. Nutritionists led a game of “Eat This, Not That” that demonstrated how to make healthy choices from McDonald’s fare vs. traditional food choices.
McDonald’s is the single-largest purchaser of U.S. apples.
About New York Apple Association
A nonprofit agricultural trade association based in Fishers, N.Y., NYAA represents the state's commercial apple growers. The grower-funded association supports profitable growing and marketing of New York apples through increasing demand for apples and apple products, representing the industry at state and federal levels, and serving as the primary information source on New York-apple related matters. For more information, visit www.nyapplecountry.com.
Source: New York Apple Association