News Releases & Statements

Beverage Industry Commends Congressional Leaders for Committment to Passing School Nutrition Standards this Year

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The American Beverage Association (ABA) today applauded House Education and Labor Committee Chairman George Miller, D-Calif., for his leadership in addressing the importance of child nutrition and urged Congress to continue bipartisan efforts to successfully reauthorize the Child Nutrition Act this year.

"The beverage industry is proud to be working alongside Members of Congress, public health and education groups and others in the food and beverage industry to advance national school nutrition standards," Susan K. Neely, ABA president and CEO, said. 

The beverage industry has been an industry leader on school health and wellness, developing and successfully implementing national School Beverage Guidelines as part of a broader effort to teach children the importance of a balanced diet and exercise.

"The School Beverage Guidelines have been successfully implemented in schools across this country and provide a solid foundation for developing a new federal nutrition standard for all foods and beverages sold in schools," Neely said.

The industry has already delivered on its commitment to change the beverage landscape in America's schools by removing full-calorie soft drinks and providing more lower-calorie, nutritious, smaller portion beverage options.  With the School Beverage Guidelines, beverage calories shipped to schools have been slashed by a dramatic 88 percent since 2004.  Under the voluntary guidelines, 100 percent juice, low-fat milk and bottled water are allowed in elementary and middle schools, with the addition of diet beverages and calorie-capped sports drinks, flavored waters and teas in high schools. For more information, please visit the ABA Web site at www.ameribev.org.

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The American Beverage Association is the trade association representing the broad spectrum of companies that manufacture and distribute non-alcoholic beverages in the United States.

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