PROVIDENCE Should Rhode Island impose an extra tax on sugary drinks? Cola-Cola? Gatorade? Sweetened lemonade mix?
In past years, the drive focused on the potentially unhealthy results of ingesting too much sugar, including the obesity epidemic in America. Advocates have revised their pitch this year.
They are proposing to divert the money raised by the proposed new tax on sugary drinks and powders to a 50% discount on the price paid for fruits and vegetables by people with SNAP benefits (formerly known as Food Stamps).
The end-goal: reducing the consumption of sugary drinks . [which raise] the risk of chronic illnesses such as heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and obesity . conditions that disproportionately harm people of color, Dr.
The community groups are calling for a tax on sugary drinks to provide dollars to more dollars to close the hunger gap in Rhode Island. The RI FoodBank reported earlier this year that hunger in the state has hit the depths of The Great Depression.
“The groundswell of support to help Rhode Island SNAP recipients expand their purchasing power has been amazing, as demonstrated by this evening’s hearing,” said Dr. Amy Nunn, Executive Director of the Rhode Island Public Health Institute, which is leading the NourishRI Coalition. “With one in four people in our state not knowing where their next meal may come from, Rhode Islanders know this important legislation will help alleviate food insecurity among our most vulnerable populations.”
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The Rhode Island Public Health Institute (RIPHI) today announced their strong support of legislation (2021-S 0327 / 2021-H 5715) introduced by Sen. Valarie J. Lawson (D-Dist. 14, East Providence) and Rep. Jean Philippe Barros (D-Dist. 59, Pawtucket) establishing a tax on sugary drinks in Rhode Island. If enacted, the legislation would designate a portion of the revenues generated to expand access to nutritious food for low- income families by establishing a Retail SNAP Incentive Program that would incentivize consumption of healthy fruits and vegetables.
“Now, more than ever, many Rhode Islanders are hungry and have limited access to healthy foods. This important legislation will help alleviate hunger and promote healthy eating across Rhode Island,” said Dr. Amy Nunn, Executive Director of the Rhode Island Public Health Institute. “We are committed to developing innovative and long-term solutions to Rhode Island’s most pressing public health problems. RIPHI commends Senato
Proposed tax would generate $45M annually
If enacted, proposed legislation working its way through the Rhode Island State House to tax sugary drinks would designate a portion of the revenues generated to expand access to nutritious food for low-income families by establishing a Retail SNAP Incentive Program that would incentivize consumption of healthy fruits and vegetables.
“Now, more than ever, many Rhode Islanders are hungry and have limited access to healthy foods. This important legislation will help alleviate hunger and promote healthy eating across Rhode Island,” said Dr. Amy Nunn, Executive Director of the Rhode Island Public Health Institute.GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST