YMCA to ban sale of sugary drinks

YMCA Victoria will stop the sale of sugary drinks at all its recreation centres and facilities as part of a healthy food and beverage policy. The policy, developed in consultation with the Department of Health, will be implemented over three years in more than 150 locations, including community recreation centres, residential camps, youth services and children's services.

Parliamentary Secretary for Health Ms Georgie Crozier commended YMCA Victoria for taking a leadership role in community health. Associate Professor Anna Peeters, Head of Obesity and Population at the Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, said the policy is a national and international landmark.

The organisation sells 350,000 cans of soft drink, serves more than 400,000 meals through its camps and children’s services, and makes over 2.5 million food transaction in its cafes and kiosks every year.