Most Soda Sales in Schools Will End!

Well, it’s finally happened!

Soda companies have agreed to stop selling most soft drinks to public schools nationwide by the 2009-2010 school year, in a deal brokered by The Alliance for a Healthier Generation — a collaboration between former President Clinton’s foundation and the American Heart Association, the AP reports.All the major soda corporations–Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, and Cadbury Schwepps, as well as the trade group the American Beverage Association, have signed on.   

Only water, nonsweetened juice, and low-fat milk will be available to elementary and middle school children during school hours, including during after-school activities. This means that during school hours and activities, nearly 35 million kids will be given healthier drink choices and won’t be subjected to the sugar-laden and nutritionally barren soft drinks that have helped contribute to skyrocketing rates obesity and diabetes amongst American youth. 

This fact sheet on the William J. Clinton Foundation’s website provides the details.

Not surprisingly, the deal isn’t perfect. For one thing, high schoolers will still able to get diet sodas, sports drinks, flavored water, and diet teas. (What a shame that people are still slow to recognizing that sugary sports drinks, as well as artificially sweetened flavored water and diet sodas aren’t optimal drinks — in fact, they’re nutrition-lacking just as sodas are.)

Another problem is this: Regular sodas will still be available at school functions attended by large numbers of adults, including sporting events or school plays.

Even so, this is such a huge step in the right direction and a great day for the health of our children.

Thanks to my research assistant Jennifer Moore, for her help writing this item while I’m on book deadlines.

Quick update — now see the CNN news item about this.