Fredericton, November 3, 2016 - The Canadian Diabetes Association (CDA) does not support the recent addition of slush puppie drinks to lunch menu items.
“With increased attention and evidence regarding the health risks of consuming sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) this recent move by some New Brunswick schools as highlighted in the news is disappointing,” says Jake Reid, Director of Government Relations for CDA.
The CDA has been urging provincial and federal governments to introduce policies to keep children and youth healthy and support parents and caregivers with making the healthy choice the easy choice. Along with restricting marketing of unhealthy food and beverage choices to kids, the CDA has been advocating for the need to promote healthy hydration by improved nutrition labelling, a tax on SSBs and creating healthy environments especially schools, where children spend so much time and eating/drinking habits form.
“At a time when we’re seeing dramatic increases in overweight and type 2 diabetes, especially here in New Brunswick, and an urgent call for action to reduce consumption of SSBs, this move by the province’s schools is both curious and frustrating,” says Reid. “We have a responsibility to teach our children and youth about the importance of healthy eating and drinking, and give them every opportunity to learn in healthy environments.”
The CDA is hoping the schools will reconsider this move and remove the slush puppie machines from cafeterias.