We are a group of 8th grade students at Curtis Middle School in Sudbury, Massachusetts who are working on a civics action project. For our project, we researched the main causes of health problems related to diet and nutrition, and decided to focus on the overconsumption of sugar, especially in modern sugary drinks. The main sources of these unhealthy sugars are sodas, juices, flavored water, energy and sport drinks, each of which contribute to obesity. Importantly, obesity is linked with major health problems such as diabetes, and cardiovascular disease that are killing thousands per year in the United States, including children.

Sugary drinks in the United States are responsible for 340,000 deaths each year from Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. In addition, sugary drink companies tend to target young kids, even as young as two  year olds. As a result of this marketing effort, sports drinks that are high in sugar have increased 745% in sales from 2013 to 2018. During the time period from 2013 to 2016, two to five year olds had an increase in obesity by 7%. 

To help decrease the health problems - including obesity, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease - that can result from the overconsumption of sugar, the Massachusetts legislature should take immediate action to pass the Senate Bill S.2034 which is known as the "Sugary Drink Act". This bill promotes healthy alternatives to sugary beverages by placing a small tax of one to two cents per 12 ounces on sugary beverages, depending on the amount of sugar content. This tax revenue will be used for programs that discourage the overconsumption of sugar by funding health education in Massachusetts public schools that promotes healthy alternatives to certain beverages.

We believe the Sugary Drink Act will provide important resources to Massachusetts in the effort to promote healthier diets among our residents. Improving health education in Massachusetts public schools by funding curriculum that educates young people about alternatives to sugary drinks will help to form a healthier generation. We believe that the Sugary Drink Act is a crucial step towards creating a healthier society. By signing this petition, you can help our state invest in the health of current and future generations, and improve the lives of millions.

Thank you- Alana Gusman, Nathaniel Hanks, Jeffrey King, and Ava Daniels