Board backs 'Soda Free Summer' campaign, discusses extending nutrition rules to adult facilities

The San Francisco Unified School District board voted to support the Bay Area "Soda Free Summer" campaign, endorsing district participation in a regional effort to discourage sugary drink consumption among students and families over the summer.

Staff read the resolution citing Harvard School of Public Health findings and local obesity and diabetes statistics, and recommended that district student support services disseminate posters, translated newsletters and pledge materials. The resolution urged students and families to limit soda consumption and requested coordination with regional partners.

Board members discussed whether the districts nutrition policy should be amended to cover adult facilities, including teacher lounges and the building where the meeting was held. Commissioner Wynne urged that the district "bring forward an amendment to the policy that will bar the vending of sodas and sweet things that don't meet our nutrition guidelines in adult facilities." Other commissioners sought outreach to rec centers and neighborhood stores and noted that implementation in schools is already under way; staff reported that roughly 26,000 students had signed pledges to be soda-free for the summer.

The board approved the resolution by roll call (seven ayes). Staff noted existing outreach materials (bracelets, brochures and translated newsletters) and said training and communication to families would continue.