Join us to celebrate the success of San Francisco’s soda tax and lay the groundwork for future policy efforts. 2023 marks the 5-year anniversary of San Francisco’s soda tax. The revenue has generated millions of dollars for the communities most impacted by sugary drinks and the most targeted by the industry. Shape Up SF and partners are planning a series of events this November centered around the key pillars that have made San Francisco a model for the successful implementation of the soda tax:
- Community – The celebrations will start with a family day event at Florence Fang Community Farm on November 4th. The community will gather to celebrate and enjoy healthy and delicious foods and family-friendly entertainment provided by organizations that have been funded by San Francisco’s soda tax.
- Science – Dr. Dean Schillinger has been instrumental in local public health regulation of sugary drinks. He is an internationally recognized health communication scientist and expert in chronic disease prevention and control. Dr. Schillinger will be featured in ZSFGH Grand Rounds on November 7 to discuss the partnerships that made SF’s soda tax a success and the health implications of the soda tax that have resulted in significant reductions in consumption, investments in new public health programming, and health benefits.
- Youth – It’s no secret that youth, particularly youth of color, are targeted by the beverage industry, despite all the scientific evidence that links the overconsumption of sugary drinks with chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and tooth decay. That’s why the soda tax funds SFUSD and youth-serving organizations to improve school food, access to water, oral health education and services, and student-led action. Students at San Francisco’s June Jordan School for Equity will be celebrating the 5-year anniversary of the soda tax with food demonstrations and water tastings with fresh food and herbs from the Urban Sprouts Community Farm & Kitchen on November 8. (Date to be confirmed)
- Policy – Effective public health interventions need strong advocates and policymakers to champion the effort. San Francisco is lucky to have both. On November 9, join a virtual panel of experts who were instrumental in passing not just the soda tax, but other policies that support healthy eating, active living, and equitable access to water, and discuss the future of soda taxes in the Bay Area and beyond. The panel will be moderated by Blythe Young, Community Advocacy Director at the American Heart Association. Panelists include Senator Scott Weiner, Dr. John Maa, Roberto Vargas, Lolis Ramirez, and Vanessa Bohm.
For more information about San Francisco’s soda tax, visit www.sodatax-sf.org/5yr.
