They consider that it is not the key to solving the problem of obesity
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The current COVID pandemic – 19 has highlighted a significant and painful injustice in our society. Latino populations are more likely than white populations to contract COVID – , being hospitalized and unfortunately dying from the virus. These facts reflect other health care inequalities such as rising rates of diabetes, heart disease, and obesity in Latino communities. We have known it for a long time, I see it in my congregation and we all see it in our communities and families.
The roots of these health inequalities are deep and the causes are many. They are part of the systemic racism that prevents some of our communities from moving forward. With this in mind, we must avoid simplistic solutions that harm our communities and add economic stress. One such simplistic attempt is a proposed tax on sugary drinks. We should oppose these taxes on “sugary drinks” and recognize that a new tax is not the way to change. Instead, we must focus on improving and reassessing our priorities regarding health changes within the people who live in our neighborhoods.
Implementing taxes on beverages Sugary is a tax on daily groceries. Think about it! Do we really want to start taxing groceries? All food taxes are regressive, that is, they affect poor low-income families more because these families spend a higher percentage of their income on food. The pandemic hit Latino and low-income families hard. We should not hit these same communities again with a tax that hurts them more.
A regressive food tax would contribute significantly to food insecurity. The US Department of Agriculture defines this as “reduced quality, variety, or desirability of the diet.” Rather than attempting to use tax as our path to health and nutrition, I think it is more valuable if we change the course of our priorities and focus on the bigger picture: addressing the problem of food disparities. The focus should be on how we can get more affordable prices for fresh produce and access to these things by providing these resources in the heart of our neighborhoods.
I’m also concerned Some argue that a new tax on sugary drinks, again a tax that hits poor families the hardest, may be key to solving an obesity crisis, particularly among young people. What they do not support is this: since 2000, while obesity has increased by 33% among young people In the US, youth consumption of sweetened beverages has decreased by % in the last decades. These trends go in opposite directions, showing how absurd it is to attack obesity with a tax on only one type of product. (There are similar trends for adults.) Our youth, adults and our community already drink less sweetened beverages and we have decided to do so on our own, without taxes.
Instead of adding economic stress to minority communities, We must provide accessible health education with an emphasis on overcoming the language barrier by providing accessible information in Spanish. Ensuring that fresh produce is affordable is also key, as is providing access to these resources in the heart of our neighborhoods. A pilot program that does exactly this is underway at this time in Lincoln Heights, El Sereno, Boyle Heights and East LA This program Beverage Calorie Initiative , is showing that education works. In just five years there has been a drop in the 18% per person in calorie consumption. Nutrition education works and does not place an economic burden on low-income families.
I agree that it is crucial that change is discussed regarding the conditions of health and results, but I firmly believe that this change must come from within. A regressive tax, which places a heavier burden on poor and working families, is not a viable solution. Instead of imposing a burden on our communities, let’s focus on strengthening them and giving them the resources they need and deserve.
Damaris Garza is president of the Church Youth Council at Iglesia Vida Abundant in Los Angeles. His father Leonardo Garza, is the senior pastor of the church.
