What is Kids LiveWell?
Kids LiveWell® makes it easier for restaurants to develop, verify, and promote better-for-you kids’ meals. The voluntary program is free to join and reaches nearly 75,000 restaurant locations nationwide. The National Restaurant Association works with restaurant operators and independent nutrition experts to identify meals, sides, and beverages that meet science-based nutrition criteria.
To participate, restaurants offer:
- At least two qualifying kids’ meals
- At least two qualifying sides
- Adhere to our default beverage policy to promote only water, milk, and juice with kids’ meals
Why Join KLW?
- Do what’s good for kids and families: Offer balanced choices that support children’s well-being while giving parents more confidence they are ordering better-for-you meals when dining out.
- Free expert support: Work directly with nutrition professionals throughout the verification process.
- National recognition: Demonstrate your commitment to offering smarter, balanced choices for children and families.
- Marketing resources: Receive access to the KLW logo, promotional tools, and menu guidance.
- Menu flexibility: Qualifying meals can be developed by shifting ingredients from your current menu or through often modest recipe and portion adjustments.
- Consumer relevance: Help parents more easily identify options that fit their families’ needs.
Join in 4 Simple Steps
Step 1: Contact the KLW Team
Email KidsLiveWell@restaurant.org to get started and a nutrition professional will explain the program and provide you with KLW verification materials.
Step 2: Identify Your Menu Options
Select existing meals and sides or explore potential recipe, portion, or ingredient adjustments using KLW resources (see the KLW Resource Center, below).
Step 3: Submit Nutrition Information
Provide nutrition information for the meals, sides, and beverages you would like reviewed by professional dietitians. The KLW team will work with you to confirm that the options meet the criteria. Those criteria can be found here.
Step 4: Complete Verification and Promote Your Participation
After verification, complete the KLW Participation and Licensing Agreement and receive access to the KLW logo and promotional resources.
Finally, you’ll need to make sure your KLW nutrition information is available upon request.
KLW Resource Center
Everything you need to create, certify, and promote wholesome kids' meals. Explore guides, recipes, menu inspiration, nutrition criteria, and marketing resources designed to help you succeed at every stage of your KLW journey.
Getting Started with KLW Guide for Restaurants
Need a quick overview of the KLW criteria to start you nutrition journey? This will show you how.
KLW White Paper Outlining Criteria Development and Updates
How did KLW arrive at our science-based meals criteria? This white paper outlines the process.
2025-2026 KLW Annual Report
Discover how KLW expanded to nearly 75,000 restaurant locations and how you can join the movement.
KLW Gude to Beverages
Serving KLW approved meals? This guide explains how to follow the KLW default drink policy and what operators need to know to stay compliant.
KLW Inspiring Sides
Need some fun inspiration to make KLW sides an active part of your KLW menu program? Look no further!
Ready to Join the Growing Kids LiveWell Community?
Participation is free, and our nutrition team will guide you through every step.
Contact the KLW Team