Partnership for a Healthy Lincoln (PHL)
recently announced an effort to lower the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages in order to help reduce obesity in Lincoln. Although the obesity epidemic has a number of other causes such as too many processed foods, increased portion sizes, and too little physical activity, the single biggest contributor is the number of calories in drinks. The initiative calls on businesses and organizations in Lincoln to institute healthy vending policies to help make the healthy choice the easy choice, including changes in product placement, changing the mix of products included in vending machines, and promoting the selection of healthier beverages. Three Lincoln organizations are already participating in the newly released initiative, including Assurity Life Insurance Company, Lincoln Industries, and Saint Elizabeth Regional Medical Center.
Partnership for a Healthy Lincoln is a Lincoln based non-profit organization whose mission is to serve as a catalyst for community efforts to increase fitness, decrease obesity and improve the health of Lincoln residents. PHL is also working on a community-wide breastfeeding initiative with area hospitals, physician offices, and outpatient support organizations; the evaluation of BMI data and wellness efforts within Lincoln Public Schools; and a community Rethink Your Drink healthy beverage marketing campaign which recently launched its summer campaign to encourage Lincoln residents to drink more water. Organizations interested in offering healthier vending options can sign on to the Healthy Beverage Vending Initiative at www.healthylincoln.org.