Urges All Residents to Rethink Drink Choices & Go Soda-Free this Summer

06/20/11—Mayor Edwin M. Lee today issued a proclamation declaring Soda Free Summer in San Francisco through August 2011. For the past four years, the Soda Free Summer initiative has sought to increase awareness about the health impacts of drinking sugar-sweetened beverages, address the public health crisis of obesity, inactivity and poor nutrition and promote the Mayor’s fitness challenge, Shape Up San Francisco.

"San Francisco is fortunate to have pristine tap water from Hetch Hetchy that is among the cleanest and best tasting in the world," said Mayor Lee. "This summer, I encourage everyone to rethink choosing sugary drinks and rehydrate with clean, refreshing tap water."

The Soda Free Summer initiative encourages San Francisco children and adults to rethink their drink choices and choose healthier beverages, such as water, low-fat milk and 100 percent fruit and vegetable juices over sugary sodas and other sweetened drinks. Soda Free Summer helps to address the increase of both obesity and diabetes among Bay Area children and adults. Soda is the number one source of added sweeteners in a child’s diet, and encouraging healthy alternatives is important.

Shape Up San Francisco leads the city-wide effort in San Francisco to help residents enjoy a summer without calorically sweetened drinks. SFUSD, DCYF, Recreation and Parks, Boys and Girls Clubs, YMCA, San Francisco Junior Giants and other organizations across San Francisco are incorporating activities that encourage children to rethink their drinks and make healthy choices.

For more information about Shape Up San Francisco, go to www.shapeupsf.org.