(I put this as general as I am focusing on the non-political side of this)
There was a thread recently made about a new sugar tax being made in certain counties of Illinois. At first, people think this will help people become a bit healthier, but will it truly do much?
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2017/apr/18/first-us-sugar-tax-sees-soft-drink-sales-fall-by-almost-10-study-shows This isn't the first case of a US county adding a sugar tax. In California, we saw Berkeley soda consumption decrease by 10%. However, how much of an impact did it truly make, and how will it compare with a region that has lower incomes?
I visit Chicago often, and it's obvious that in here (and the rest of the US), soda isn't the only problem. There's also fast food, candy, ice cream, chips, and so on. We shouldn't forget how dangerous drinks are from places like Starbucks. A mocha can have 50+ grams of sugar- ONE mocha. If people are willing to accept the soda tax, will they be fine with all junk food being taxed?
The United States has a huge health issue, and slapping on a higher price for soda won't do much. A burger and fries can easily reach 1000+ calories from a place like McDonalds. Let's be honest, many people in America eat two burgers due to unhealthy habits, kicking up the calories up to almost 2000+. As said before, mochas contain ridiculous amounts of sugar in popular coffee shops. Is a soda seriously as dangerous as everything I previously mentioned?
Michelle Obama tried reforming school lunches, exercise was pushed in many ways, and it seems like not much has changed. I think it's hypocritical for the county to place a sugar tax when processed foods and the 'health' food industry are far more dangerous.
When all is said and done, there may be decreased sales in that county, but chances are they'll get their soda elsewhere. Can't get progress if you don't do it correctly
