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The iconic red colour is going to be removed (Picture: Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images) McDonald’s fans in the UK might notice Happy Meal boxes look a little different this month, as the fast food chain is scrapping the classic colour. For the first time ever Maccies is doing away with the iconic red cardboard and launching a completely blank box. This limited-edition change is part of the chain’s partnership with BBC Children in Need to promote mental health awareness, and comes after McDonald’s temporarily removed the yellow smile off the box in 2024. This takes things one step further and kids will be able to use the white design of the ‘draw how you feel meal boxes’ to do just that – express their emotions and unleash their creativity. The box will be blank for the first time ever (Picture: McDonald’s UK) Millions of the boxes and crayons will be available nationwide in McDonald’s from November 5 until November 18. The hope is that the experience will spark meaningful conversations within families, as new research commissioned by McDonald’s found that four in 10 children aged five to 10 struggled to tell adults how they feel, while 73% find it easier to talk about their feelings when they’re drawing. Singer, and mum-of-three Kimberley Walsh is backing the campaign and said she’s ‘proud’ to be a part of it as she knows how hard it can be to get kids to open up. ‘Art and creativity have always played a big role in my life and now they’re a huge part of my parenting style, too. I find my boys are often calmer and more open to chat when they’re drawing. ‘Children experience so many emotions every day, which can often be difficult to describe, so finding new ways for them to express those feelings is really important.’ McDonald’s research supports this, with 88% of parents saying it is easier to talk to their kids about feelings when they are doing some sort of creative activity. Kimberley Walsh is supporting the campaign (Picture: McDonald’s UK) One in five (19%) parents also admitted they feel society is not doing enough to encourage children to openly express their emotions. To help parents kickstart these conversations, McDonald’s and BBC Children in Need have created a suite of free resources on the Family Hub, offering practical ways to use art to connect, understand, and celebrate the full range of emotions children experience every day. Simon Antrobus, Chief Executive Officer at BBC Children in Need, adds: ‘Art and creativity can help to give children an outlet when words aren’t enough. Comment nowWhat are your thoughts on McDonald’s new Happy Meal box campaign?Comment Now ‘At Children in Need we know that strong, supportive relationships between children and the important people in their lives is critical in easing their worries and supporting their emotional wellbeing. But we also know that it is not always straight forward to know where to start with these conversations. ‘We are thrilled to support this campaign which turns a simple Happy Meal box into a fun, family-friendly tool for expression and connection, something every family can use to come together.’ Those who want to get involved with the campaign can donate to Children in Need via the McDonald’s app by donating the equivalent of their Rewards points. There will also be the option to donate at McDonald’s restaurants at kiosks and tills. More fast food news: McDonald’s unveils World Heist menu with items from Canada, Japan and Australia coming to UK US fast food chain returns to England six years after major controversy This high street chain spent thousands on self-service tills — now it’s ‘backtracking’ Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.
