First Hospital in Wisconsin Announces Sugary Drink Phase-Out Policy

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In early June, Baldwin Area Medical Center announced the phase-out of sugary beverage sales and distribution to patients. The announcement is consistent with a national trend in leading healthcare institutions to only offer healthy drinks in all their facilities.

This wellness initiative was begun in January 2014 and includes the implementation of healthy vending criteria.

Instead of soda, the facility serves water, low-fat or nonfat milk, unsweetened coffee, tea and reduced-size 100 percent fruit and vegetable juices. Vending machines are stocked by the hospital’s own food service so all items meet the health criteria.

Studies show Latino kids drink more sugary drinks a day than their White peers, making initiatives like this especially important to Latino patients and their families.

Read more about the phase-out in the news.