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Wednesday, December 15, 2004But Cosgrove's crusade has been met with resistance from not just McDonald's executives, who say they are being singled out for a problem that goes beyond the occasional Happy Meal, but also from staff and visitors who resent what they consider to be a paternalistic attitude from bosses who can afford pricier, more healthful food. 'What they have in the cafeteria is not a lot better, and it's certainly not affordable,' said Donna Wilkison, a post-operative nurse waiting in line for her McDonald's salad with chicken. The cafeteria salad bar, priced at $4.64 a pound, 'gets very expensive. They need to bring in something else that's more affordable.' She's got a point there. Hospital cafeteria food isn't exactly full of healthy choices, either. Dr. Eric Topol, the anti-arthritis drug crusader is behind this crusade, too: "I can't tell you how many patients found this repulsive," said cardiology chairman Eric Topol. "How can the Cleveland Clinic, which prides itself on promoting health, have the audacity to have a McDonald's in the main lobby?" Some days, the scent of cooking grease wafts up the one flight to Topol's domain, a heart center that has been ranked first in the nation by U.S. News & World Report for 10 straight years. He has heard all the wisecracks and not-so-amused comments about serving up a side of fries with that angioplasty. "If this was a strip mall or a food court in a public place, that would be a different matter," he said in an interview. "We're supposed to be the icons for promoting good health." Sometimes, you get the feeling that those Cleveland Clinic cardiologists watched too much Quincy when they were growing up. Everything's a crusade. They may have met their match, however, in targeting this particular McDonald's: Phillip Wilkins, a representative of the National Black McDonald's Operators Association, warned Cosgrove: "We vigorously support one another and will not hesitate to do so with every resource available to us." Does that mean they'll be calling in Jesse Jackson? posted by Sydney on 12/15/2004 07:08:00 AM 0 comments 0 Comments: |
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