So what does a soda in a kid's meal have to do with faith?
Thanks to the powerful advocacy of MomsRising, Wendy's announced last week that soda would no longer be an option in the meals that it markets to children.
This is good because sweetened drinks (like soda) are the largest source of added sugar in a child's diet. A 12oz soda typically has the equivalent of 10 teaspoons of sugar. According to the Alliance for a Healthier Generation, a fifth of teens drink the equivalent of an extra meal in sugar-sweetened beverages every day.
But this move is also a powerful values statement from Wendy's and MomsRising. As a Christian, I believe that God cares about our wellbeing not just in the afterlife, but here on earth. God is gracious and loving, and longs to give us healthy and full lives. By encouraging families to make healthier choices with their diet, Wendy's - and MomsRising through their advocacy - are in some small way modeling God's love for us.
Developing these habits early will help kids make healthy choices on their own as adults. Overweight children are susceptible to serious health risks in their childhood and later in life, such as heart failure, asthma, and diabetes. Our bodies - which scripture calls "temples of the Holy Spirit" (1 Corinthians 6:19) - are harmed as a result.
This move will save and improve the lives of future generations.That's why I am grateful for the decision Wendy's made - and for all the moms and allies at MomsRising who stood up for better health. Together they are demonstrating that it is not just practically important to eat healthy, but that doing so is a way to show that our children - like each of us - matter to God and to each other.
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