For lifelong health, Food Bank urges YES on Props I and V

This November San Francisco voters will consider numerous measures on the local ballot, but there are two, we believe, that deserve particular attention.

Both Props I and V support critical efforts to improve the health and well-being of San Franciscans. We urge a “Yes” vote on both and here’s why:

Prop I: The Dignity Fund

Nearly 1 in 4 people living in San Francisco is either over 60 years old or is classified as disabled, and the population is growing steadily every year. Many of these residents live on fixed incomes that are inadequate to cover basic needs. We know because many of these seniors regularly attend our weekly pantries.

Funding for services to support the health and well-being of seniors and the disabled in their homes is not secured in the city’s budget — creating uncertainty for these programs and the people they serve.

That’s where Prop I comes in. The measure establishes a “set-aside” in the city’s budget — called the Dignity Fund — which guarantees a certain level of funding each year for these crucial programs. The result is stability for seniors and adults with disabilities.

Learn more, get involved, take action: http://www.sfdignityfund.org/about

Prop V: The Soda Tax

We know soda and other sugary beverages are cheap to buy. We also know they are the number one source of added sugar in the American diet, resulting in increased risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease and tooth decay.

According to the San Francisco Chronicle, “the city’s budget analyst blames overconsumption of sugary drinks for up to $28 million in public health treatment bills.”

Enter Prop V. If approved, it would charge distributors one cent per ounce of every sugary drink they sell in San Francisco. Studies show increasing the cost of sugary beverages discourages consumption — the best possible outcome for health. What’s more, the revenue raised from the tax will go back into the city’s general fund and be used to monitor the health effects of sugary drinks and support nutrition programs that are designed to mitigate the damage these beverages cause.

Learn more, get involved, take action: http://www.sfunitedtoreducediabetes.com/about

The Food Bank traditionally supports policy measures that align with the goal of promoting health. That’s why we urge you to VOTE YES on Prop I and Prop V.