Statement from Senator Jeanne Kohl-Welles to the Seattle School Board September 18, 2002
Regarding Renewal of "Pouring Rights" contract with Coca-Cola

Madam President, Mr. Superintendent, and Members of the Board:

It has recently come to my attention that the Seattle Schools' 5-year contract with Coca-Cola has expired and is currently in the process of being renewed.

As a member of the Senate Education Committee and a former public school teacher, one of my concerns is that the children of Seattle have the healthiest and most conducive learning environment possible. Studies have shown that children who eat healthier foods and drink healthier beverages are more likely to be prepared to learn. These same studies have shown that children who eat healthier foods and drink healthier beverages are more likely to be prepared to learn. These same studies have shown that more children are becoming obese because of a number of factors, which include frequent consumption of sugary drinks and soda. In fact, a recent San Francisco Chronicle article reported that a study published by Children's Hospital in Boston has shown that an extra can of soda a day increases a child's risk of obesity by about 50 percent.

As educators, it is our responsibility to teach students the benefits of proper nutrition. To set that example for our youth, I urge you to not renew the contract with Coca-Cola, nor to contract with any other company that does not provide healthy drinks for our children and youth.

This would not be a precedent setting action. School districts across the country are changing their policies and removing unhealthy drinks from vending machines and cafeterias. For example, the Los Angeles Unified School District, the second largest district in the country, recently instituted a ban on all campuses for soda and drinks with high sugar content. Their new rule limits, to a specified percentage, the amount of sugar allowable in a ban on all campuses for soda and drinks with high sugar content. Their new rule limits, to a specified percentage, the amount of sugar allowable in a drink sold on a campus. Districts in New York and Texas have also implemented bans. Seattle Schools should follow this example, to provide an environment that lends itself to more effective instruction by teachers and a healthier group of children who are more adequately prepared to learn.