As part of its National County Government Month, the National Association of Counties has marked today as County Health Day to shed light on how groups across our nation are supporting the health and wellness of their communities. America’s beverage companies are proud to be one of those groups with a long history of giving back to the communities where we live, work and play.

We are doing our part to take an active role in addressing health challenges, like obesity, through our national Balance Calories Initiative. In the Alabama counties of Montgomery and Lowndes and the Mississippi Delta counties of Coahoma, Panola, Quitman and Tunica aggressive efforts are underway to help people reduce the calories and sugar they get from beverages. We’re doing this by changing up the beverage mix in stores, making more new choices available and encouraging consumers to try them.

These counties have been specifically chosen to participate in our initiative because they face high rates of obesity and have less access to lower and no sugar options. Working in these counties, we’ll 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. Then, we’ll take what we’ve learned to other communities across the nation.

For more information about our Balance Calories Initiative, check out our new website: BalanceUs.org