Today, the Alliance for a Healthier Generation and America’s beverage companies announced that work will begin in Montgomery and Lowndes Counties on the Balance Calories Initiative, a focused effort to help people reduce the calories and sugar they get from beverages.

These communities face high rates of obesity and lack the beverage options and information needed to achieve a balanced lifestyle. They have been specifically selected to participate in this initiative in an effort to gain new insights into the marketing and distribution of smaller portion and lower- and no-calorie options in areas where the obesity challenge is the greatest.

The kick-off was held in Montgomery, Ala., with beverage company representatives, along with ABA President and CEO Susan Neely, Alliance for a Healthier Generation CEO Dr. Howell Wechsler, Montgomery Mayor Todd Strange, Montgomery County Chairman Elton Dean and many others.

“Balance Calories Alabama is a great example of the private sector collaborating with government and the community to make a positive impact on our city and the lives of our citizens. We look forward to being a partner in this important initiative,” said Mayor Todd Strange.

We look forward to working with the local community partners in Alabama to do our part to improve the health of people living in these communities.