Access to Healthy Beverages

Action steps to increase access to healthy food in the state include:

Ensure that all communities within the state have access to safe, clean drinking water.
Safe, clean drinking water is not always available in rural communities or communities with dilapidated water systems. States can ensure that residence have access to safe, clean drinking water by providing funding to communities to upgrade their water supply systems.

Recommended by:

For more information: US Environmental Protection Agency

Pediatricians are reminded that all state advocacy efforts should be coordinated with state AAP chapters. To connect with your state AAP chapter, please visit: http://www.aap.org/member/chapters/chaplist.cfm

 

Limit Access to Unhealthy Beverages​

Action steps to limit unhealthy foods in the state include:

Prohibit sugar-sweetened beverages in schools.
Many schools allow the sale of sugar-sweetened beverages during the school day. States can mandate that school districts prohibit schools from allowing the sale of sugar-sweetened beverages.

Recommended by:

For more information: Alliance for a Healthier Generation

Pediatricians are reminded that all state advocacy efforts should be coordinated with state AAP chapters. To connect with your state AAP chapter, please visit: http://www.aap.org/member/chapters/chaplist.cfm

 

Media Campaigns​

Action steps to develop media campaigns in the state include:

Develop media campaigns to combat the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and promote healthy beverages.
A statewide media campaign aimed at encouraging healthy beverage choices directed at children can encourage children to choose healthier beverage options.

Recommended by:

For more information: Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) "Promoting Active Living: A Guide to Marketing and Communication"

Pediatricians are reminded that all state advocacy efforts should be coordinated with state AAP chapters. To connect with your state AAP chapter, please visit: http://www.aap​.org/member/chapters/chaplist.cfm

Prohibit soft drink companies from marketing in schools.
Cash-strapped schools often agree to marketing contracts with food and beverage manufacturers to help fund after school and sports programs. Limiting students' exposure to food marketing will encourage healthy eating behavior inside and outside of schools.

Recommended by:

For more information: Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI)

Pediatricians are reminded that all state advocacy efforts should be coordinated with state AAP chapters. To connect with your state AAP chapter, please visit: http://www.aap.org/member/chapters/chaplist.cfm

 

Change Relative Pricing

Action Steps Required

Implement a tax strategy to discourage consumption of beverages with minimal nutritional value.
States can tax sugar-sweetened beverages to increase state revenue while discouraging consumption of unhealthy options.

Recommended by:

For more information: Center for Science in the Public Interest

Pediatricians are reminded that all state advocacy efforts should be coordinated with state AAP chapters. To connect with your state AAP chapter, please visit: http://www.aap​.org/member/chapters/chaplist.cfm

Create incentive and recognition programs encouraging grocery and convenience stores to reduce point-of-sale marketing of calorie dense soft drinks.
Aside from financial incentives, states can recognize grocery and convenience stores that reduce point of sale marketing to consumers. This recognition can encourage consumers to choose grocery stores that encourage healthier options.

Recommended by:

For more information: ChangeLab Solutions (fomerly Public Health Law and Policy)

Pediatricians are reminded that all state advocacy efforts should be coordinated with state AAP chapters. To connect with your state AAP chapter, please visit: http://www.aap.org/member/chapters/chaplist.cfm

 

Last Updated

03/15/2022

Source

American Academy of Pediatrics