Spread the word » Facebook Twitter

Can't read this? View as a web page.

Strategic Alliance  
PRINT

Action Alert
February 17, 2011
[space]
[space]
[space]
[space]
[space]

STRATEGIC ALLIANCE
221 Oak Street
Oakland, CA 94607
Tel: 510.444.7738
Fax: 510.663.1280

 

 

Statewide Soda Tax Aims to Fund Prevention for California’s Kids

Today in Sacramento, a statewide soda tax was introduced that, if successful, could add $1.7 billion a year to fund critical healthy eating and active living programs – programs which are under threat in the state budget crisis. Levying a penny an ounce on every soda and sugar-sweetened beverage sold in California, AB 669 draws a direct line between rising soda consumption and chronic disease in California.

Read the full press release here.

Strategic Alliance encourages Rapid Responders to pen letters to the editor and write opinion pieces in response to local and state media coverage on the proposed tax.

Here are some angles you could cover in your response:

  • Investing in California’s children. In these tough economic times, a soda tax can help fund critical prevention efforts, particularly in communities most impacted by the harmful effects of soda.  Investments in safe places for children to play and be active, healthy school meals, physical education, and after-school programs can make the difference when it comes to safeguarding children’s health.
  • Californians support a special tax on soda. A recent Field Poll showed that the majority (56%) of Californians favor a tax on soda and soft drinks, and using the money to support healthy eating and active living programs for children.
  • We cannot afford to raise another ‘Pepsi Generation.’ The soda industry spends $500 million a year to target children, using highly trained psychologists and marketing experts to reach them. Today, 40% of young kids drink one or more sodas a day: that’s a victory party at industry headquarters and a public health disaster for the rest of us. Soda companies need to pay their fair share for the negative consequences their products are having on our health.

Share your advocacy efforts with us!  Did you write a letter or pitch a story in support of a soda tax? Send us a quick note so we can make sure your efforts are recognized.

To find out more about what advocates can do about making the case, please visit the advocacy tools listed on the Rapid Response Soda page. And take a look at our media advocacy brief, Sugar Water Gets a Facelift: What Marketing Does for Soda.

**********************************

WHAT IS THE STRATEGIC ALLIANCE?

The Strategic Alliance is reframing the debate on nutrition and physical activity away from a focus solely on individual choice and lifestyle towards one of environmental influences and corporate and government responsibility. Current Steering Committee members are: California Adolescent Nutrition and Fitness Program (CANFit), California Center for Public Health Advocacy (CCPHA), California Food Policy Advocates (CFPA), California Pan-Ethnic Health Network, California Park and Recreation Society (CPRS) , California Project LEAN, California WIC Association (CWA), Child Care Food Program Roundtable, Latino Health Access, Partnership for the Public's Health, PolicyLink, Prevention Institute, Samuels & Associates, and Public Health Law and Policy.

HOW TO BECOME A MEMBER

The Strategic Alliance is currently engaged in building a broad and diverse statewide membership. To join or for more information, please visit us on the Web, www.eatbettermovemore.org, or contact Phebe Gibson at 510.444.7738 or Phebe@preventioninstitute.org. And even if you're already a member, please forward this message on to your colleagues so we can continue to strengthen our coalition. Thank you!

 

The Strategic Alliance is reframing the debate on nutrition and

physical activity - from a focus solely on individual choice and lifestyle,

towards one of environmental influences and corporate and government responsibility.

 

Home | About Us | Our Approach

Prevention Institute | 221 Oak St. Suite A, Oakland, CA 94607 | Ph. 510-444-7738 
www.preventioninstitute.org | Click here to unsubscribe