The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine is protesting Kraft's sponsorship of the Texas Stadium implosion and wants the city of Irving to drape a banner on the stadium.
IRVING, TEXAS -
A national group of physicians is offering the city of Irving $75,000 to drop Kraft Foods as its sponsor for the upcoming Texas Stadium implosion.
The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine claims the maker boxed dinners and cheese products is using the spectacle to market high-fat products to children.
"We're concerned because of the childhood obesity epidemic," PCRM spokesman Patrick Sullivan told The 33 News. "Unfortunately, Kraft makes a lot of high-fat food products."
Sullivan added that Kraft's flagship item, Velveeta, is more than 60 percent fat.
In an e-mail, Kraft Foods spokesperson Joyce Hodel said while every organization is entitled to its perspective, the "Cheddar Explosion" is a fun event that doesn't need to be debated.
"Kraft Foods is providing $75,000 to the city of Irving which will distribute the money to numerous local charities," Hodel wrote. "We think that's a great use of our contribution. We are also donating $75,000 of food that the city will distribute to food pantries and other hunger relief agencies."
The physicians committee says it will match the $75,000 sponsorship fee -- as long as Irving drops Kraft, and the city of Irving hangs a banner reading: "Cheese Really Blows You Up."
In a written statement today, Irving Mayor Herbert Gears said the deal with Kraft is done.
"This sponsorship was open to anyone, and Kraft stepped forward," Gears said. "Kraft brand has many fine products, and they have been a good partner to work with on this historic event. ... We have already entered into a contract with Kraft, but any donations from other organizations to Irving charities are certainly welcome."
The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine claims the maker boxed dinners and cheese products is using the spectacle to market high-fat products to children.
"We're concerned because of the childhood obesity epidemic," PCRM spokesman Patrick Sullivan told The 33 News. "Unfortunately, Kraft makes a lot of high-fat food products."
Sullivan added that Kraft's flagship item, Velveeta, is more than 60 percent fat.
In an e-mail, Kraft Foods spokesperson Joyce Hodel said while every organization is entitled to its perspective, the "Cheddar Explosion" is a fun event that doesn't need to be debated.
"Kraft Foods is providing $75,000 to the city of Irving which will distribute the money to numerous local charities," Hodel wrote. "We think that's a great use of our contribution. We are also donating $75,000 of food that the city will distribute to food pantries and other hunger relief agencies."
The physicians committee says it will match the $75,000 sponsorship fee -- as long as Irving drops Kraft, and the city of Irving hangs a banner reading: "Cheese Really Blows You Up."
In a written statement today, Irving Mayor Herbert Gears said the deal with Kraft is done.
"This sponsorship was open to anyone, and Kraft stepped forward," Gears said. "Kraft brand has many fine products, and they have been a good partner to work with on this historic event. ... We have already entered into a contract with Kraft, but any donations from other organizations to Irving charities are certainly welcome."
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