YELLOWKNIFE (June 15, 2016) - The Department of Health and Social Services’ 2015-2016 Drop the Pop Campaign has concluded, and 18 winning schools from across the NWT have been chosen as winners for their campaign activities.
The winning schools (and one District Education Authority) will be awarded prizes ranging from $500 – $3,000 in recognition of the activities from January 1 - March 31, as part of the annual Drop the Pop Campaign. This year 100% of schools in the NWT participated, using funding to conduct a number of activities related to promoting healthy foods and beverages.
2016 was the 10th Anniversary of the campaign, and to celebrate the work schools have done over the past 10 years and encourage more people to reduce their consumption of pop and other sugary-sweetened beverages, a short video has also been developed. The video will be distributed to schools across the NWT and is available online on the HSS YouTube Channel.
Two schools have also been selected to profile the campaign’s success on the Canadian Diabetes Association’s (CDA) monthly newsletter, Diabetes Current. The CDA would like to highlight the achievement of Drop the Pop on a national level, recognizing the efforts of schools to reduce their risk for type 2 diabetes and other chronic diseases by making healthy choices.
Reducing the burden of chronic disease by promoting healthy eating and beverage consumption through programs like Drop the Pop contribute to the 18th Legislative Assembly’s priority of creating opportunities for healthy lifestyles and community leadership for our youth.
Quotes
“Drop the Pop has been a successful initiative for over 10 years now, and it is wonderful to see 100% participation from our schools this year. All schools that encourage healthy behaviours in students are winners, but I want to applaud the recipients of the prizes this year for their creativity, hard work and outstanding activities.
- Glen Abernethy, Minister of Health and Social Services
“Drop the Pop has allowed our students to take on leadership roles, either in Kindergarten providing healthy snacks or the whole school by teaching information. I feel this program does make students stop and think about healthy alternatives, especially the promotion we did this year to drink more water and with our catchy slogan Drink Mackenzie Juice, which is where Fort Simpson gets their water. It is important for the students to hear the words Drop the Pop! These programs have wider impact than people believe.”
- Val Gendron, Principal, Bompas Elementary School, Fort Simpson
“Congratulations to all of the participants of this initiative that supports the health and wellness of our children and youth through creative activities and educational opportunities. There is clear evidence linking consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages with increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Educating our young people about this issue and encouraging healthier choices is critical.”
- Rick Blickstead, President and CEO, Canadian Diabetes Association
Quick Facts
- Drop the Pop is an annual campaign that encourages students, families, schools and communities to:
- drink healthy beverages, especially water;
- eat a wide variety of healthy, local foods from the land;
- learn new skills and knowledge in order to be more self-sufficient, and;
- Foster long-term health food intakes so families can maintain and/or improve their overall well-being.
- 2015-2016 is the 10th Anniversary of the Drop the Pop Campaign in the NWT.
- This year’s theme is “Celebrating Successes”, marking 10 years of schools in the NWT encouraging healthy behaviours in students, like reducing the consumption of pop and other sugary beverages.
Related Links
Media inquiries for Department:
Damien Healy
Manager, Communications
Department of Health and Social Services
Tel: 867-767-9052 ext. 49034
Email: damien_healy@gov.nt.ca
Sherry Calder
Senior Manager, Marketing & Communication
Canadian Diabetes Association
101-137 Chain Lake Dr.
Halifax, NS B3S 1B3
Office: (902) 453-4232, ext. 3529
Mobile: (902) 210-1799
