Policy Changes Required To Reduce Consumption Of Soft Drinks At School

Main Category: Nutrition / Diet
Also Included In: Pediatrics / Children's Health
Article Date: 01 Sep 2008 - 0:00 PDT

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In May 2006, an agreement was reached by the Alliance for a Healthier Generation and the American Beverage Association on voluntary sales restrictions on "competitive foods" such as soft drinks at schools. However, researchers at Pardee Rand Graduate School say limiting the availability of soft drinks at school may not be enough to affect overall consumption among elementary school children.

In a study of more than 4,000 children, the researchers found limiting soft drink availability at school is associated with a 4 percent decrease in overall consumption; 26 percent of children who have access to soft drinks at school drink them; and low-income and black non-Hispanic children consume more soft drinks at school and more soft drinks overall.

The researchers conclude: "Greater reductions in children's consumption of soft drinks will require policy changes that go beyond food availability at school…Such polices may include zoning regulations on food outlet types in residential or school areas and promotion of more healthful substitutes such as milk and fruit juice."

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Source: Julia Dombrowski
American Dietetic Association

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