If schools lost these millions of dollars, students and taxpayers would suffer. U.S. Education Secretary Roderick Paige, who was named in 2000 as National Superintendent of the Year by the American Association of School Administrators, is one of many educators around the country who recognize the value of business partnerships with soft drink companies. Low-income schools need the soft drink money the most. Low-income and urban schools don t have as much money as suburban schools in wealthier communities. Schools that currently have contracts with soft drink companies only provide soda.
Schools offer students a wide choice of beverages.
School cafeterias provide students with juices and milk at mealtime. Most soft drink vending machines in schools also sell juice, water and sports drinks, in addition to carbonated soft drinks. Another 78 percent ask for bottled water, and 74 percent ask for juice drinks. Easier access to soft drinks will increase childhood obesity. Studies by the Georgetown Center for Food and Nutrition Policy, the University of Michigan and others have shown that soft drink consumption by school-age children is not linked to obesity, is not reducing their calcium consumption, and is not having other adverse effects on their health.