Support for AB 2708

During this 2008 legislative session Assembly Member Jose Solorio will be authoring AB 2708 sponsored by Consumers Union, that will ban the advertising of nonnutritious foods in California public schools. Three years ago, California enacted landmark legislation to regulate the nutritional content of foods and beverages sold in public schools. SB 12 and SB 965 banned the sale of competitive nonnutritious foods and beverages on school campuses, thereby fostering more healthful eating habits on campus. AB 2708 will follow through on those commitments to improve the health of children and youth by simply stating that the governing board of a school district shall not permit advertising of nonnutritious foods and beverages on school premises. Advertising is broadly defined to encompass the multiple forms that exist in schools such as: displays on vending machine exteriors and school equipment such as scoreboards, advertisements in school publications and educational materials, educational incentive programs such as contests that utilize food as a reward and sponsorship of school activities and sports teams. A definition of nonnutritious foods and beverages is included in the bill based upon the existing nutritional standards.

AB 2708 will be heard in the Assembly Education Committee on Wednesday, April 2nd. We would appreciate your support on this important piece of legislation. Below is a fact sheet with information about AB 2708, a sample support letter than you can modify and put on your organizational letterhead, and a list of members of the Assembly Education Committee. Committee rules require that letters of support be received on letterhead or otherwise include the name, mailing address, and telephone number of the organization or individual communicating with the Committee.

Support letters are due to the Education Committee by 5pm Thursday March 27th. You can fax your support to the committee at 916-319-2187.

It will also be helpful for you to send personalized letters to each member of the Education Committee before the hearing next Wednesday. Attached is a list of members with their contact information to easily cut and paste into your letters.

Thank you for your support.

Fact Sheet AB 2708 (Solorio)

Organizational Sample Letter of Support for AB 2708 (Solorio)

2008 Members of the Assembly Education Committee

WHAT IS THE STRATEGIC ALLIANCE?

The Strategic Alliance is reframing the debate on nutrition and physical activity away from a focus on individual choice and lifestyle towards one of environment and corporate and government responsibility. Current Steering Committee members are: California Adolescent Nutrition and Fitness Program (CANFit), California Center for Public Health Advocacy, California Food Policy Advocates, California Pan-Ethnic Health Network, California Parks and Recreation Society, California Project LEAN, California WIC Association, Child Care Food Program Roundtable, Latino Health Access, Prevention Institute, Samuels & Associates and YMCA of the East Bay.

HOW TO BECOME A MEMBER

The Strategic Alliance is currently engaged in building a broad and diverse statewide membership. To join or for more information, please visit us on the Web, www.eatbettermovemore.org, or contact Sana Chehimi at 510.444.7738 or Sana@preventioninstitute.org. And even if you're already a member, please forward this message on to your colleagues so we can continue to strengthen our coalition. Thank you!

The Strategic Alliance is supported by funding from The California Endowment.

The Strategic Alliance is reframing the debate on nutrition and physical activity--from a focus on individual choice and lifestyle, towards one of environment and corporate and government responsibility.

Home | About Us | Our Approach