The City of Stockton has a new ordinance taking effect in July that aims to improve the health of children. The law replaces sugary drinks on kids' menus at restaurants with a better choice.
Childhood diabetes and obesity are real risks, especially for low-income and minority populations.
That’s why the American Heart Association, Fathers and Families of San Joaquin, and Public Health Advocates convinced the Stockton City Council to pass a measure that substitutes water or low-fat milk as the default beverage on kids’ menus.
Kanat Tibet with Public Health Advocates says many restaurants such as McDonalds, Burger King, and Jack in the Box have already taken that step.
"So there’s a movement nationwide going this way, giving the kids the healthy choice as the default choice," says Tibet.
Tibet says parents can still choose to give their kids a sugary drink instead at no extra charge. But he warns a regular size soda contains about 10 teaspoons of sugar, which is 3 times what a child should consume in a day.
Tibet says the goal is to have six other California cities pass similar laws by the end of the year.
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