Heart Foundation supports sugary drinks ban

21 March 2016

Heart Foundation supports move to remove sugary drinks from schools

Issued by Justine Munro, Heart Foundation Education Setting Manager

“The Heart Foundation congratulates the Ministries of Education and Health on its announcement today that they are encouraging schools to consider banning sugary drinks and adopting a water and milk only policy. This initiative is a positive step towards improving food and beverage environments for children.

“It sends a clear message of support and encouragement to schools that they are in a strong position to help communities tackle New Zealand’s growing childhood obesity epidemic.

This vision will, undoubtedly, have a positive effect on the long-term health and wellbeing of young New Zealanders.

“For over 27 years, the Heart Foundation has been actively working with schools through programmes like our Heart Start: Toitoi Manawa to develop environments which support healthy eating and physical activity.

“Through our work with children and young people, we’ve been helping create a foundation for keeping hearts healthy in the future.

“These programmes recommend that children cut back on foods or drinks that are high in ‘added’ sugar such as soft drinks and cordials. Added sugar offers little nutritional value and evidence shows high intakes increase body weight and have an impact on blood pressure and type 2 diabetes which are risk factors for heart disease.  

“We hope that schools will adopt the Government’s recommended policy of becoming water and plain reduced fat milk only schools.”

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