Food, beverage and restaurant companies spend almost $14 billion per year on advertising, more than 80% of which promotes fast food, sugary drinks, candy, and unhealthy snacks. In 2019, kids and teens saw an average of two fast-food ads per day on television alone.
Because the beverage industry spends millions of dollars every year marketing to communities of color, African American children and teens see more than twice as many ads for sugary drinks than their white peers. Targeted marketing practices also contribute to African American and Hispanic youth consuming more sugary drinks and having higher rates of diabetes and heart disease, on average, compared to their white peers.
Under the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010, schools may only feature advertising for foods and drinks that meet “Smart Snacks” nutrition guidelines. Some states and cities allow only healthier drinks like water and milk as the default options on kids’ meals at restaurants.
