Soda Industry to Stop Most School Sales
Sugary sodas are going to be much harder to find in America’s schools by the beginning of the 2008–2009 school year. The Alliance for a Healthier Generation—a joint initiative of the William J. Clinton Foundation and the American Heart Association—has worked with the nation’s largest beverage representatives to limit portion sizes and reduce the number of calories available to children during the school day. Under new guidelines, schools will sell only lower-calorie and nutritious drinks.
“This agreement is an important example of the industry voluntarily working with others to address one of the most critical challenges facing our nation—childhood obesity,” said Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee, chairman of the National Governors Association and 2006 IDEA Fitness Inspiration Award winner. “I commend the parties involved in this agreement and look forward to seeing its positive impact on the health of our children.”
The guidelines will cap the number of calories at 100 per container, except for certain milks and juices with nutritional values that warrant more calories. Elementary schools will sell only water and 8-ounce, calorie-capped juice servings with no added sweeteners, as well as fat-free and low-fat regular and flavored milks. Middle schools will apply the same standards but increase the portion sizes to 10 ounces. At least half of available beverages in high schools will now be water, no-calorie drinks and low-calorie selections. High schools may sell juices and sports drinks in 12-ounce containers (not to exceed 100 calories). Pure juices and nonfat and low-fat milks will also be sold in containers up to 12 ounces.
Under the agreement’s terms, the beverage industry will strive to extend these standards to 75% of the nation’s schools prior to the beginning of the 2008–2009 school year. The goal is to fully implement the guidelines prior to the 2009–2010 school year, provided that schools and school districts are willing to amend existing contracts.
For the latest research, statistics, sample classes, and more, "Like" IDEA on Facebook here.
July 2006
© 2006 by IDEA Health & Fitness Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited.
Get the award-winning IDEA Fitness Journal delivered to your door every month!
Related Questions
CEC Courses
 |
Extreme Interval Training
In this course you'll learn goal-focused intervals and over 50 dynamic exercises and drills to create extensive and intensive training formats. |
 |
Cut to the Core
This is a raw, unedited video filmed live at the 2009 IDEA World Fitness Convention™. Cut to the Core is packed full of core-focused exercises that aim to improve the way you look, feel and live. |
 |
September 2011 IDEA Fitness Journal Quiz 4: Plyometric Training
This continuing education quiz is an in-depth look at plyometric training. Plyometric exercises—jumping, bounding, hopping, arm pushing, and catching and throwing weighted objects such as machine balls—are movements that involve rapid eccentric and concentric muscle actions. |
Find a Personal Trainer
Article Comments
Add Comment