YMCA of the Central Bay Area Endorses Berkeley's Measure D
BERKELEY, Calif., Oct. 8, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- YMCA of the Central Bay Area joins the call for a sugar-sweetened beverage tax to reduce consumption and fund programs to improve children's access to physical activity and nutrition.
On Thursday, October 2nd, 2014 the YMCA of the Central Bay Area's Board of Directors voted overwhelmingly to publicly support Berkeley's soda tax Measure D. The legislation proposes a penny-per-fluid-ounce general tax on the distribution of sodas and other sugar-sweetened beverages.
The entire nation, and even the local community of Berkeley, faces a public health crisis with the rise in rates of obesity, diabetes and other preventable chronic diseases. Consumption of sugar-sweetened drinks is associated with these preventable diseases. And, children are consuming more sugar-sweetened beverages than ever before. Research indicates that they are the most vulnerable to negative effects — 40% of children will contract diabetes in their lifetime unless action is taken. The Y's mission of building healthier communities lends a natural support of Berkeley's Measure D.
After a presentation Thursday to board members and staff by Harold Goldstein, of the California Center for Public Health Advocacy, on the effects of sugar-sweetened beverages and Measure D, board of director members motioned for a resolution to back the local legislation.
"Our Y is determined to create healthier futures for all children," President and CEO Fran Gallati said. "The soda tax measure (Measure D) will bring us one step closer to reducing obesity."
"The YMCA of the Central Bay Area's cornerstone programs encourage healthy eating, physical activity and community engagement. Measure D is an unprecedented opportunity to help limit the prevalence of preventable disease, like Type II Diabetes. We are pleased to endorse the measure and further advance the health and well-being of our community — especially children in our community."
About the YMCA of the Central Bay Area
Founded in 1903, the YMCA of the Central Bay Area is an association of people joined together by a shared commitment to nurture the potential of youth, promote healthy living and foster a sense of social responsibility. Every day, we work side-by-side with our neighbors in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties to ensure that everyone, regardless of age, income or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive. The YMCA of the Central Bay Area is comprised of the Albany YMCA, Downtown Berkeley YMCA, Irvin Deutscher Family YMCA in Pleasant Hill, YMCA-PG&E Teen Center in Berkeley and Head Start/Early Head Start in Berkeley and Emeryville. More information may be found at www.ymca-cba.org.
SOURCE YMCA of the Central Bay Area
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