You’ll struggle to find a can of Coke or bottle of Sprite on display at school canteens in Whittlesea at the end of the month.
For Children’s Week, between October 24 and November 1, Whittlesea council has asked primary and secondary schools, kindergartens, supermarkets, gyms and offices to remove soft drinks from view to help parents buy healthier options for their children.
Whittlesea mayor Ricky Kirkham said families were barraged with creative marketing of sugary fruit juice and soft drinks, making it difficult for parents to refuse pleading children.
“We’re not telling parents what to buy for their kids, we’re simply asking food outlets to allow parents to make choices without the added pressure of ‘pester power’ from kids at the supermarket or ‘in-your-face’ marketing,” Cr Kirkham said.
Parents at South Morang Cricket Club have already jumped on board, offering kids only water post-training and on game day.
According to council statistics, 47 per cent of children between two and 16 drink sugary drinks every day, costing parents about $1095 each year.
Cr Kirkham said there was evidence that consuming soft drinks contributed to significant weight gain.
According to council data, 55 per cent of the community is overweight or obese, and the prevalence of type 2 diabetes – which can be prevented by maintaining a healthy weight and diet – is one of the highest of any municipality in the state.
