Barbados Childhood Obesity Prevention Programme Launches Campaign to Ban Marketing of Unhealthy Foods in Schools

The International food and beverage industry spends a staggering US$14 million annually marketing unhealthy foods – targeting children through direct and persuasive appeals, says Khrystal Walcott, mass media campaign officer for the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

Responding to this growing threat, the Barbados Childhood Obesity Prevention Programme launched the Protect Us! It’s Time to Ban Marketing of Unhealthy Foods and Drinks In Schools campaign at Accra Beach Hotel, bringing together key health organisations and stakeholders committed to safeguarding children’s nutritional well-being.

The initiative comes at a crucial time, with 31 per cent of Barbadian children classified as overweight or obese, placing them at significant risk of developing non-communicable diseases later in life.

Minister of State in the Ministry of Health and Wellness Davidson Ishmael in his address said: “Our children are victims to unscrupulous marketing practices of food and beverage companies”.

He said the campaign was not just about policy, but about enlisting every citizen in a collective effort to combat declining health trends.

The campaign’s primary narrative centres on “Rosie,” a school-aged girl who questions the continued marketing of unhealthy products in schools, despite the 2023 Barbados National School Nutrition Policy’s efforts to remove such foods from school environments.

Faith Marshall-Harris, chair of the National Committee on the Rights of the Child, highlighted the broader cultural context, noting that healthrelated behaviours of parents significantly impact children’s dietary choices.

“Health related behaviours in parents and other significant adults have a major impact on the health of children . . . . In most cases parents likely decide the children’s diet,” Marshall-Harris said.

During his feature remarks, Ishmael stressed the importance of reducing sedentary behaviours and advocated for moderation and gradual transformation.

“Young children, instead of drinking five Coca-Colas during the week, reduce that significantly. The goal is to eventually get you towards zero.” The six-week media campaign will utilise broadcast, print and digital platforms to spread its message.

(DS)