New Report Shows Significant Cut in Calories of Beverages Offered in Schools

September 25, 2008 - A new report released by the American Beverage Association shows that calories of beverages shipped to schools has been reduced by 58 percent since 2004.  This comes on the heels of the national “School Beverage Guidelines” set forth two years ago by the Alliance for a Healthier Generation who worked with The Coca-Cola Company, Dr. Pepper Snapple Group, PepsiCo Inc., and the American Beverage Association to establish these guidelines with the purpose of reducing the number of calories made available to children during school hours. 

The voluntary agreement was announced by President Clinton along with leaders of the beverage industry on May 3, 2006.  The guidelines called for the beverage industry to provide lower-calorie and smaller-portion options in schools, including the removal of full-calorie soft drinks, all by the 2009-2010 school year.  Within the guidelines, beverage options include 100 percent juice, low-fat milk, and bottled water in elementary and middle schools, with the addition of diet sodas, calorie-capped sports drinks and enhanced waters, as well as low-calorie teas in high schools. 

School Beverage Guidelines Progress Report 2007-2008 is the second annual assessment of the impact and status of implementation of the national guidelines.  Notably, it shows that 79 percent of schools under contract with bottlers are in compliance with the national “School Beverage Guidelines,” surpassing a previous goal that 75 percent of schools under contract be in compliance by the 2008-2009 school year, which has just begun. 

Additionally, the report reveals that the school beverage landscape continues to change, shifting more to water, portion-controlled sports drinks, and diet drinks.  According to the report, shipments of full-calorie drinks have decreased by nearly two-thirds, with the volume shipped to schools down by 65 percent. 

To access the full report, click here.

Source: “Beverage Industry Continues Cutting Calories in Schools, Delivering on its Commitment to Change Beverage Mix,” American Beverage Association Press Release, September 10, 2008.