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The
hard line on soft drinks for kids
August 21, 03
Suzanne Havala Hobbs
When
I was a kid, the only time my brother, my
sisters and I got to have soft drinks was
on Sunday nights – with popcorn
– in front of the TV watching
"The Wonderful World of
Disney."
Even then, it was never more than a juice
glass-full.
That was a big treat – in the same
league as candy.
Thirty-five years later, kids reach for
soft drinks with meals instead of water,
milk and juice. Sixty percent of middle
and high schools sell soft drinks.
"Liquid candy" is sold in
vending machines and is poured freely at
school fundraisers and at after-school
and sports events.
And we’re talking tankards full
– not Dixie cups.
The obesity epidemic among America’s
youth suggests that kids are taking in
more calories than they’re burning.
Nutrition advocates and the World Health
Organization believe that excessive soft
drink consumption is one factor.
But the problem isn’t just quantity.
It’s an issue of quality of
calories, too.
National dietary survey data show that
kids don’t eat enough fruits and
vegetables. Loading up on soft drinks
– and other sweetened beverages
– means less room in the diet for
foods that contribute nutrients needed
for growth and development and protection
from disease.
And many advocates believe that telling
kids about good nutrition isn’t
enough. Schools should restrict access to
junk foods and model healthy diets
instead.
Some school districts have taken bold
action. The largest – Los Angeles
and New York – have banned soft
drinks from vending machines in high
schools.
Others have compromised by permitting
soft drinks and other sugary beverages
while including space in vending machines
for water and 100 percent fruit juice.
The issue is contentious. This year, 23
states have considered legislation
targeting vending machine sales of soft
drinks and other "empty
calorie" foods. North Carolina has
explored the idea of taxing soft drinks.
Here’s the sticking point: Schools
have become accustomed to soft drink
money to pay for sports activities and
other after-school events.
While school districts and legislatures
wrestle with balancing finances and the
health of our kids, there are some ways
to help your children deal with the soft
drink trap as the school year begins:
* Approve better alternatives. Tell kids
they can buy from an approved list of
choices that includes water, 100 percent
fruit juice, and skim, _ percent or 1
percent milk. No soft drinks or sweetened
drinks such as Snapple, Fruitopia, and
sweet tea.
* Send drinks from home. Water bottles
can be refilled at school at the drinking
fountain or from the tap or filled with
filtered water at home. Send juice boxes
containing 100 percent fruit juice. Small
boxes of soymilk are good, too. Seltzer
water – including flavored seltzer
water – is another option. Or fill a
plastic drink bottle part way with fruit
juice and fill the remainder with seltzer
water for a fruit drink with fizz.
* Provide beverages for special events.
When the menu calls for parental
participation, offer to bring the drinks.
Parents will appreciate it, and
you’ll expose other kids to
healthier alternatives, too. Bring gallon
jugs of 100 percent fruit juice.
Encourage smaller portions by providing
six- to eight-ounce – rather than
16-ounce or larger – cups. Bring
bottles of flavored seltzer water or
plain water. For smaller events, consider
mixing orange juice and fresh carrot
juice – gorgeous in a clear pitcher,
and kids love it. Or try blending equal
parts orange and pineapple juices with
seltzer water.
And it goes without saying. At home, like
at school, model the behavior you want
your children to adopt.
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