The panel overseeing money collected from Berkeley’s 1-cent-per-ounce tax on sugar-sweetened beverages has recommended that $250,000 of the revenue go to the cooking and gardening program at city schools, says Berkeleyside, the independent news site. The so-called soda tax generated $116,000 in its first month of operation, according to a report in mid-May. Voters approved the tax in a 2014 referendum. It is estimated to generate $1 million-$3 million annually. The Berkeley City Council is scheduled to vote on the recommendation on June 30. The cooking and gardening program reaches 5,800 students in 17 schools with one session every two weeks. The school district says “students are excited to get out into the garden and take great pride in caring for the garden,” said Bekeleyside.
Across the Bay, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors voted unanimously “to require health warnings on advertisements for sugary drinks,” says Marketwatch. The proposal must pass a second vote next week and be approved by the mayor. “Advocates hope the passage will spark similar legislation in cities and states across the country.” The warnings are part of a package of proposed ordinances intended to reduce consumption of sugary drinks. The proposal also would prohibit advertisements for sugary drinks from appearing on city property and would bar city agencies from buying the drinks.