Headed by Sugar Smart (a campaign led by Sustain and chef Jamie Oliver), the letter is addressed to major football associations, leagues and Premier League clubs and asks them to drop partnerships with junk food, chocolate and sugary drink brands “to protect children against the marketing of unhealthy foods and drinks.“
With signatures from health advocates, including Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, and organisations, academics, and directors of Public Health, the organisation is asking the public to get involved by signing the letter here: https://www.sustainweb.org/poll/sugar/.
Sofia Parente, Sugar Smart campaign coordinator, explained: “By linking themselves to sports bodies, these (junk food) companies are attempting to associate their products with a healthy and active lifestyle. But in reality, many of their products contain high amounts of saturated fat, sugar and/or salt.
“This sends the wrong message from the most popular sport in the country, at a time when obesity and tooth decay among children are at an all-time high.
“Sugar Smart is partnering with Healthy Stadia to take action on this issue. The open letter will be delivered to football clubs, leagues and associations and to the department for digital, culture media and sport calling for an end to partnerships with junk food brands. This is your chance to add public support.
“Please join us in asking football to re-think commercial partnerships with junk food companies and to protect children against the marketing of unhealthy foods and drinks.“