Executives at Children's Mercy Hospitals and Clinics in Kansas City, Mo., announced the hospital will no longer offer soda or sugary beverages in its cafeteria, vending machines or gift shop, according to a Kansas City Star report.
The hospital's effort is part of the Partnership for a Healthier America initiative, which focuses on eliminating the nation's obesity crisis, which is especially prevalent among children.
Hospital co-COO Karen Cox said in the report that hospital employees and patients can still bring in their own soda or sugary drinks, but the hospital will not sell them. There is also an exception for sick children who need hydration and will only drink Sprite or a different type of sugary drink, according to the report.
Hospitals across the country have ramped up efforts to kick unhealthy food and drink choices out of their organizations. Oakland, Calif.-based Kaiser Permanente recently signed a commitment with PHA to improve food offerings in its 37 hospitals, and other hospitals are beginning to end their food contracts with McDonald's.
The hospital's effort is part of the Partnership for a Healthier America initiative, which focuses on eliminating the nation's obesity crisis, which is especially prevalent among children.
Hospital co-COO Karen Cox said in the report that hospital employees and patients can still bring in their own soda or sugary drinks, but the hospital will not sell them. There is also an exception for sick children who need hydration and will only drink Sprite or a different type of sugary drink, according to the report.
Hospitals across the country have ramped up efforts to kick unhealthy food and drink choices out of their organizations. Oakland, Calif.-based Kaiser Permanente recently signed a commitment with PHA to improve food offerings in its 37 hospitals, and other hospitals are beginning to end their food contracts with McDonald's.
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