NAACP, Hispanic Federation Join Fight Against Soda Ban

Has race entered the soda ban battle?

More Articles by Marcy Franklin

Jan 23, 2013 @ 11:44 AM

It looks like beverage makers won't be alone as they fight against the New York City soda ban: now, the New York State chapter of the NAACP and the Hispanic Federation have joined in on the effort to stop the soda ban from taking effect.

The Associated Press reports that the newest move sheds light on "racial fairness" in the soda ban; the NAACP and Hispanic Federation argue that minority-owned delis and corner markets will be hurt by the soda ban, compared to larger grocery store chains that can take a softer financial blow. In court papers filed to stop the soda ban, the groups say the soda ban also attacks "freedom of choice in low-income communities."

Of course, this raises a lot of concerns for both Mayor Bloomberg and the Public Health Board; studies from the CDC in 2011 show that minorities consume more sugary drinks (and diet drinks) than any other group. Obesity rates for Hispanics and African-Americans are also soaring. The same studies show that low-income communities drink more sugary drinks than those with higher incomes.

The suit filed by the groups and the American Beverage Association also argue that the rule is too narrow for it to be fair, citing retailers like 7-Eleven whose Big Gulps can stay on the market. If this lawsuit wasn't a case to watch before, it certainly is now.