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DUBLIN, Ohio-Wendy's is stepping up efforts to help consumers make informed choices when dining out through nutrition education materials created with the help of the American Dietetic Association (ADA). It could mean that milk sales will continue to grow at the nation's #2 hamburger chain.

Wendy's and ADA worked together to produce a series of "Eating Better Together" educational tools that provide strategies for making nutritious choices when visiting a quick service restaurant. This information supports the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, released recently by the Departments of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Agriculture (USDA).

This collaborative effort includes a consumer booklet and simple tips that can be found on Wendy's website ( www.wendys.com ) with additional information on the backs of millions of trayliners throughout the year in Wendy's restaurants, starting this month.

All materials suggest consumers contact a registered dietitian for specific, personalized nutrition advice by visiting the ADA website ( www.eatright.org ) to locate a nutrition professional in their area.

"There is something for everyone on the Wendy's menu that fits within a healthy, balanced diet. While having a variety of menu options is the first step, providing nutrition information and resources also is important," said Tom Mueller, president, Wendy's North America. "We've provided nutrition information in our restaurants for more than 25 years. This collaboration with the American Dietetic Association gives our customers additional tools to make the dietary choices that are right for them."

Nutritious Menu Options

So far this year, Wendy's has made several menu changes as part of an ongoing commitment to providing nutritious choices. Fresh fruit cups and entree-size fruit bowls with a low-fat strawberry-flavored yogurt are now available at Wendy's.

Less than three weeks after the completion of the national rollout in February, more than a half million pounds of fresh fruit are being sold by Wendy's restaurants each week.

In addition, customers can substitute, at no additional charge, either a baked potato, small chili or one of two side salads for French fries when ordering a combo meal.

Last year, Wendy's began offering 2% reduced fat white or 1% chocolate milk as a substitute for a soft drink in Wendy's Kids' Meals, with a mandarin orange cup offered as an alternative for French fries.