STAFF at Bendigo Health are putting their support behind a New South Wales politician\u2019s goal to stop junk food advertising.<\/p>\n
Independent member for the Federal seat of Mackellar, Dr Sophie Scamps, is drafting a parliamentary bill with the aim of banning the sponsorship by, and advertising of, unhealthy foods during prime-time television hours.<\/p>\n
Bendigo Health CEO Peter Faulkner said curbing junk food would be an important step in encouraging kids to eat healthier.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe know that historical changes to Australian tobacco advertising laws, particularly around sport and sponsorship, had an enormous impact on the number of people smoking,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen we give children consistent, positive messaging and good food options, we create a tangible link between what they eat and living a healthy life.<\/p>\n
\u201cAny action which limits the unhealthy food messaging getting through to children would be a significant step forward.\u201d<\/p>\n
The proposed bill is also backed by Australia\u2019s Obesity Policy Coalition and a spokesperson estimated that advertisers spend more than $550 million annually on mostly unhealthy food promotion.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s also estimated in the groups National Obesity Strategy that children aged between five and eight who watch about 80 minutes of television a day are exposed to over 800 unhealthy food ads a year.<\/p>\n
OPC\u2019s executive manager Jane Martin said it\u2019s important for children to be informed about healthy eating choices.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is about creating a community that sends the right message about healthy living to our kids as they grow, learn and play,\u201d she said<\/p>\n
\u201cOur children deserve to go about their daily lives without being bombarded by ads for unhealthy food and sugary drinks which is the wallpaper that surrounds their lives.\u201d<\/p>\n
In further supporting the initiative, Bendigo Health and partnering health services have removed high sugar drinks from stores and vending machines.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
STAFF at Bendigo Health are putting their support behind a New South Wales politician\u2019s goal to stop junk food advertising. Independent member for the Federal seat of Mackellar, Dr Sophie Scamps, is drafting a parliamentary bill with the aim of banning the sponsorship by, and advertising of, unhealthy foods during prime-time television hours. Bendigo Health […]<\/p>\n