News Releases & Statements

March 19, 2009 | back to news Beverage Industry Supports Efforts to Increase Physical Activity in Schools FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 19, 2009 Contacts:   ABA Press Office (202) 463-6770 Beverage Industry Supporst Efforts to Increase Physical Activity in Schools  WASHINGTON, DC - The non-alcoholic beverage industry today applauds Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, and Reps. Ron Kind, D-Wis., Zach Wamp, R-Tenn., and Jay Inslee, D-Wash., for their efforts to promote the need to make physical education in schools a greater priority.  "We congratulate Senator Harkin and Representatives Kind, Wamp and Inslee for their leadership in promoting physical activity as a necessary means to achieving a healthy lifestyle. The beverage industry joins these Members in supporting healthy kids," said Susan K. Neely, president and CEO of the American Beverage Association.  "We believe that schools are unique educational environments that can play a meaningful role in shaping our children's health.  That's why we are working with the Alliance for a Healthier Generation to implement national School Beverage Guidelines as part of a broader effort to teach children the importance of a balanced diet and exercise." Energy balance - balancing calories consumed with calories burned through physical activity - is critical to losing weight and maintaining a healthy weight for all consumers.  This was most recently supported by a study funded by the National Institutes of Health and published in the New England Journal of Medicine. When it comes to physical activity, the beverage industry also supports myriad physical activity initiatives.  It provides millions of dollars to support and sponsor youth sports teams and leagues throughout the country.  ### 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.  For more information on ABA, please visit the association's Web site at http://www.ameribev.org/ or call the ABA communications team at (202) 463-6770. -30-