WASHINGTON, D.C. - The American Beverage Association (ABA) today expressed its support for efforts by the House Education and Labor Committee, chaired by Rep. George Miller, D-Calif., to advance bipartisan child nutrition legislation in order to successfully reauthorize the Child Nutrition Act this year.

"We commend Chairman Miller and the members of his Committee for their hard work and commitment to the health and well-being of our nation's children," Susan K. Neely, ABA president and CEO, said.  "Reauthorizing the Child Nutrition Act this year is critical, and our industry is proud to be working with Members of Congress on this important issue."

The beverage industry has a longstanding commitment to our nation's children.  We have already delivered on our commitment to change the beverage landscape in schools with our national School Beverage Guidelines, which have removed full-calorie soft drinks and replaced them with more lower-calorie, nutritious, smaller-portion beverage options.  With the guidelines, our companies have slashed beverage calories shipped to schools by a dramatic 88 percent since 2004.  These guidelines are having a meaningful impact on our nation's schoolchildren.   Under the voluntary guidelines, 100 percent juice, low-fat milk and bottled water are allowed in elementary and middle schools, with the addition of diet beverages and calorie-capped sports drinks, flavored waters and teas in high schools.

"Our industry continues to welcome opportunities to work alongside Congress to improve nutritional standards set for children in schools.  We urge our elected officials to vote on the Child Nutrition Act this year," Neely said.

For more information about the School Beverage Guidelines, please visit www.ameribev.org.

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 The American Beverage Association is the trade association representing the broad spectrum of companies that manufacture and distribute non-alcoholic beverages in the United States.

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