BRO Submission By Tuona M. Batchelor:
With the rate of obesity and diabetes in this country at an all time high, steps are being taken nationwide to combat this ever growing and ever dangerous epidemic. At the forefront of these steps locally is an effort to reduce the consumption of soda pop and other sugar added beverages that are proven contributors to obesity and obesity related diseases. As a way of promoting healthier diet and lifestyles, the Healthcare Education Project is holding the Trade Up for Health Beverage Exchange, an event at which people can turn in their soda pop products and receive in exchange a much healthier alternative of milk and 100% Juices.
The event will be held at the Broadway Market from noon to 5 pm, or while supplies last, on Monday April 5th. There will be a raffle and free giveaways to make for a fun event during the Dyngus Day celebrations. Our organization, the Healthcare Education Project, is a collaborative effort between the Greater NY Hospital Association, a trade organization representing hundreds of hospitals and nursing homes across the state – along with the union representing those who work in those institutions, 1199SEIU/United Healthcare Workers East. Our purpose is to promote broad access to good healthcare across the state as well as to engage in local initiatives to promote good health.
This event is a part of our effort to promote the implementation of a tax on sugar-added beverages, currently being considered by the NY Legislature. The tax is a way of promoting healthy living by discouraging the public from consuming large amounts of sugary beverages. The revenue raised by the tax will be used for the prevention of budget cuts to much needed healthcare programs in the state. The Healthcare Education Project has assisted in the creation of the “Alliance for a Healthier NY.”
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Our organization along with the Broadway Market, Community Action Organization of Erie County and Save A Lot Food Stores are pleased to invite the entire community to the Trade Up for Health Beverage Exchange at the Gibson St. entrance of the Broadway Market in front of Save A Lot for an afternoon of healthy living and fun.