PH 215 Chapter Notes - Chapter 6: Childhood Obesity, Sugary Drink Tax, Los Angeles Unified School District

• School: University of Rochester
• Department: Public Health
• Course: PH 215
• Professor: Nancy Chin

Document Summary

1998: the california center for public health advocacy (cpha) began mobilizing grassroots teams in six legislative districts in la to educate policymakers about childhood obesity. A survey of 14 middle and high schools in one la district showed that 97% of the food sold in school vending machines was unhealthy. Other data showed that 80% of 5th, 7th, and 9th graders fail the state-mandated physical fitness test. These teams delivered the fact sheets to their elected assembly representatives, who were shocked. Around this time, public health advocates conducted a statewide survey that showed that fast-food vendors were common on high school campuses, and the survey got a lot of media attention. Senator martha escutia proposed a bill in 2000 that included a junk food ban, a soda tax, nutritional standards, mandated physical education, diabetes testing in school, and more. Opponents included the soda industry, school administrators, groceries, etc.