ATLANTA - Chick-fil-A has joined McDonald€™s in providing healthier meals for children, Bloomberg reports. The fast-food chicken chain has reduced the calories and fat in its kids€™ meals by more than 50% with the addition of grilled chicken nuggets.

In its children€™s meals, Chick-fil-A also will not offer beverages with high-fructose corn syrup, and will instead push water, milk, lemonade and apple juice. "It€™s very crucial for fast food to be some of the people to take the first step," said Woody Faulk, vice president of brand strategy and design. "It€™s irresponsible not to do it."

In 2004, Chick-fil-A began offering a fruit cup and in 2011, added multigrain oatmeal. The chain is building on those healthier items by slashing salt in its bread, sauces, dresses and char-grilled chicken. In 2010, sales for the company jumped 11% to reach around $3.5 billion.

The move by Chick-fil-A follows McDonald€™s decision in July to reduce the portion of French fries in its U.S. Happy Meals and add apple slices to the meals, lowering calories by around 20%. Other restaurants, such as Darden Restaurants, have also committed to lowering calories and salt in their food. Last fall, Darden, which operates LongHorn Steakhouse, Red Lobster and Olive Garden, announced it will work with Michelle Obama€™s Let€™s Move! campaign, such as making fruits or veggies the side dish that automatically accompanies its children€™s meals.