- Major health groups have called on the University of Sydney to phase out sugary drink sales on its campuses.
- The groups are also campaigning for an end to soft drink marketing to students.
- 90 per cent of students and staff agree that sugary drinks are harmful, and more than two-thirds want regulation.
Two leading health groups have today called on the University of Sydney to take a lead in tackling the obesity crisis and stop on-campus sales of sugary drinks.
The George Institute for Global Health and the Sydney University Healthy Beverage Initiative are asking the University to phase out the sale of drinks with added sugars (including soft drink, sports drinks and energy drinks) by 2020. And put a halt to the marketing of sugary drinks to students. Take that, Big Soda!
The move comes after a recent Healthy Sydney University survey showed that 90 per cent of students and staff agree that sugary drinks are harmful to health. And more than two-thirds want the uni to regulate their sale and promotion.
Of course, we’re supporting the cause. “Bold initiatives like these are a great starting point.” says Sarah. “Sugary drinks are a low-hanging fruit. Few dispute that they are crappy contributions to life. This is the perfect way to continue the fight.”
Alexandra Jones from The George institute for Global Health agrees, and says that the University of Sydney can play a key role in identifying the general crappiness sugary drinks wreak on our bodies.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for the University to step up and demonstrate its leadership for health. As the University’s strategic plan notes: If you do nothing, nothing changes.”
Will Sydney Uni will take up the call? We wait with bated breath. But with any luck, it will be the first of many Aussie educational institutions to take a stand against Big Soda. Watch this space!
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