Move to Milk Great News for Kids

Move to Milk Great News for Kids
HSC Media Release - 2 August 2007

The news that milk will be on sale instead of carbonated drinks at G9 matches is getting the big "thumbs up" from health promoters.

Anchor and the G9 first division rugby unions have agreed to replace carbonated drinks with milk drinks at 2007 Air New Zealand Cup rugby matches hosted at the G9 home stadiums this year.

The G9 is the group of provincial rugby unions outside the Rebel Sport Super 14 home unions including: Southland, Tasman, Manawatu, Bay of Plenty, Hawke's Bay, Taranaki, Counties Manukau, Northland and North Harbour.

"The move is great news for children and parents, as it makes it easier for them to make consistent, healthy choices for their kids when they are away from the home," says Michelle Mako, Programme Manager for Feeding our Futures.

"A number of reports link full-sugar drinks including powdered drinks and cordials, carbonated drinks and colas to weight gain.

"Kids are better off drinking either water or milk. Water is freely available, has no added sugar and is tailor-made for quenching thirst, while milk helps build strong bones and teeth and is high in nutrients.

"This sends a really clear message that unhealthy drinks and sport do not go together."

The HSC has come up with other healthy eating tips as part of its national campaign Feeding Our Futures, that offers parents simple and practical advice about ways of achieving healthy diets for kids.

Michelle Mako says the decision by G9 and Anchor is an encouraging sign that people are realising the importance of providing a healthy environment for kids and families, which includes all places where families visit, including sports grounds. "We'd like to encourage other milk manufacturers and sporting facilities to explore similar opportunities."

For more information about the HSC’s Feeding our Futures campaign, check out www.feedingourfutures.org.nz.

The programme is part of the Ministry of Health's Healthy Eating, Healthy Action: Oranga Kai Oranga Pumau (HEHA) strategy to improve nutrition, increase physical activity and reduce obesity.

ENDS

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