If They Can't Sell It, They Shouldn't Market It

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "Nancy Brown, PreventObesity.net" <info@preventobesity.net>
Date: Mar 18, 2014 12:28 PM
Subject: If They Can't Sell It, They Shouldn't Market It
To: <aquarianm@gmail.com>
Cc:

Hello Daniel, Schools should be a safe, healthy environment where kids can focus on learning - not a place where food and beverage companies can target junk food to our kids. The food industry spends roughly $150 million every year marketing junk food to students on campus. They advertise unhealthy products with posters, scoreboards, vending machine displays, commercials on in-school television programs, coupon incentive programs and even branded educational materials! Fortunately, YOU and I have a historic opportunity to make sure these unhealthy products no longer will be advertised to our kids in school. First Lady Michelle Obama recently joined Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack to unveil proposed guidelines that would eliminate junk food marketing in schools. Advertising will be limited for products that are not allowed to be sold under the USDA's Smart Snacks in School Guidelines, which make sure only low and no-calorie options can be sold to kids on campus. At the American Heart Association, we know that preventing childhood obesity is among the most important ways we can reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes and other serious health complications in adults. That's why this proposal is so important. Banning the marketing of unhealthy food and drinks will give a boost to parents who work hard to instill healthy habits in their kids. It also will create a healthier food environment at schools, helping kids build healthy habits, nurturing academic achievement and ultimately reducing childhood obesity rates. We only have until April 28 to tell the USDA we support the proposal. Take action now and help make sure school is a healthy learning environment for children and teens everywhere! Sincerely, Nancy Brown CEO American Heart Association P.S. After you take action, don’t forget to spread the word about the campaign on Twitter and Facebook!   Follow us on Twitter     Like us on Facebook PreventObesity.net is a project of the American Heart Association in support of the movement to prevent childhood obesity. PreventObesity.net does not necessarily share the views of individuals, organizations, or government agencies in our network, but we work to highlight and share the work being done across the network to facilitate collaboration and participation within the movement. To learn more, visit us online.  Click here to unsubscribe