Taking a stand against unhealthy eating, Sicily has banned fizzy drinks from all schools on the island.
The Regional Assembly approved the measure to remove sodas from schools, but they are offering children a healthier, local alternative. Instead of sugary bubbles, children will be able to choose from a range of fresh fruit juice, with all the ingredients being strictly of Sicilian origin.
The locally produced juices will be available in the same machines that once offered up sodas. The initiative is meant to kill two birds with one stone- fighting obesity by keeping unhealthy drinks away from children while supporting the local Sicilian economy.
Local politician Antonello Cracolici explained: "It is an intervention that aims to combat childhood obesity. Sicilians want to encourage students to change their eating habits.Vending machines will offer fresh squeezed orange juice, packets of dried fruit and vegetable products, all strictly Sicilian".
