American Heart Association Supports Arkansas in Effort to Reduce Sugary Drink Consumption Against Soda Industry Opposition

The American Heart Association (AHA) has announced its strong support for Arkansas's initiative to curb sugary beverage consumption, joining efforts to combat the influence of the soda industry. The organization submitted official comments backing the state's application to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for approval to restrict the purchase of sugary drinks within the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The AHA urges the USDA to expedite the approval of this waiver, highlighting the importance of reducing sugary drink intake.

For many years, the soda industry has actively opposed policies aimed at decreasing sugary drink consumption, including efforts to remove these beverages from SNAP benefits. Despite these challenges, Arkansas is taking significant steps to promote public health, reflecting a growing move among states to tackle the health risks associated with high sugar intake.

Nancy Brown, CEO of the AHA, emphasized the importance of these efforts, stating, "Arkansas and other states are standing up to the soda industry to improve residents' health. Sugary drinks are the largest source of added sugars in the American diet and are linked to cardiovascular disease." She highlighted the organization's unwavering commitment to removing sugary drinks from SNAP and supporting public policies that benefit community health.

Brown also criticized the soda industry's tactics, describing them as a "desperate playbook" to undermine health initiatives. The AHA has historically worked to advance policies such as sugary beverage taxes, which have been successfully implemented in cities like Philadelphia, Seattle, and Santa Cruz, California, where the tax began on May 1, 2025.

This movement reflects a broader national trend to reduce sugary drink consumption, aligning public health goals with policy measures. The AHA remains dedicated to fostering healthier dietary habits through advocacy and community partnerships.

[source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-04-aha-arkansas-soda-industry-sugary.html]