Here at New York Cares, we continually work to address the social issues affecting our city’s students. This need became even more apparent based on a report that was released last week by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the Yale Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity. This report highlights some of the causes associated with the growing epidemic in childhood obesity and specifically, focuses on the increase in the frequency of sugary drink advertisements produced between 2008 and 2010, which targeted children and teens.

As the most comprehensive assessment of sugary drink nutrition and marketing ever conducted, the report analyzed the marketing practices of more than 14 major companies and the nutritional content of nearly 600 products. The findings concluded that children’s exposure to full-calorie sodas doubled from 2008 to 2010. Advertisements specifically targeted at minorities also significantly increased.

What is New York Cares doing to combat the trend of childhood obesity? With programs such as our Snacktivities and Culinary Explorers, we work to teach healthier food options to children and teens in a Do-It-Yourself format. In some cases, students even utilize herbs and produce from local community gardens in their dishes and snacks! Children of all ages across the city are participating, and we are continually looking to expand these programs. Opportunities for volunteers abound during the day, weekday evening or weekend. Sign up to make New York City youth healthier today.

If you would like to read the full report, please click here.