Childhood Obesity
During the 2005-2006 legislative session, MPHA took the lead in advocating for
a bill sponsored by Representative Peter Koutoujian to prohibit the sale of soda
and junk food in Massachusetts schools. Taking on both the beverage and food industries, MPHA combined strong organizing and advocacy to successfully move “An Act to Promote Proper School Nutrition” through two joint committees of the legislature.
We published over 50 letters and op-ed pieces in the press, garnered over 100 endorsements from organizations and newspapers, and distributed thousands of “got lunch?” postcards that humorously depict a school “lunch” of soda and junk food. We mobilized hundreds of parents, teachers, students, and community 
activists in the effort and worked closely
with coalition partners.
Despite our efforts, the legislative session came to a formal close without the bill
being voted on by the House. MPHA remains committed to actively supporting legislation to prevent childhood obesity in the 2007-2008 legislative session. Click here for the new language.