Blurring the lines of health and wellness: Say NO! to sponsorship from the food industry at the UWC Staff Wellness Day
The UWC Staff Wellness Day planned for the 25th March is accepting sponsorship from Coca-Cola and McDonalds (via Old Mutual consultant). Accepting sponsorship from ultra-processed and unhealthy food industry contradicts the promotion of health and wellness. It may appear to provide benefits to staff members in the short term (through free items and activities arranged at the event), but it undermines the health and wellness concept in the long-term.
A 2011 survey on the UWC campus found 85% of men and 80% of women (in university administration) were overweight or obese; with 28% of men and 67% of women presenting with a waist circumference indicative of a high risk for chronic diseases of lifestyle. There was also evidence of blood pressure higher than 140/90 in 28% of men and 15% of women not previously diagnosed with hypertension.
Research shows that the actions of “big food” companies drive the obesogenic food environment and diet-related non-communicable diseases. Energy dense, highly refined ultra-processed foods high in nutrients known to negatively affect health (sodium, added sugars, saturated and trans fats) are made widely available at low cost and aggressively marketed in low- and middle-income countries to form new preferences and habits. In these new markets the “big food” companies face limited resistance, shifting consumption patterns and choices towards unhealthy processed products
Given the health and nutrition status at UWC, it is irresponsible to allow these food companies to be involved in the UWC staff wellness day. The only winner will be the food industry through a whole campus market exposure.
Join us in saying NO to sponsorship from the food industry at UWC!
Updates
March 12, 2020
The momentum behind this is undeniable. It proves we all see the irony in these sponsorships.
15 Comments
Sweet, salty highly processed foods are highly seductive, after that first bite, that first sip we want more and more, but at what cost? The growing burden of overweight, obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease is threatening to overwhelm our healthcare system. If UWC is committed to health and wellness then it needs to lead by example instead of sending mixed messages
I have always had an issue with the Wellness Day being sponsored by unhealthy food and beverage companies. We need to lead by example and set a healthy example on campus to staff and students. In the past, Coca-Cola and other companies has had huge coverage from the wellness event and our own School of Public Health is involved in important research on obesogenic environments, which includes the marketing of unhealthy foods and drinks. Please can our university leaders take action to prevent this from happening in future.
Lead by example UWC. Take a stand against the Big Food industry!
No to unhealthy donation of food items
Alternative sponsorship should be sought for if for nothing but to ensure all aspects of wellness are covered. Wellness Day is not just about staff/institutions spending time out of the normal humdrum of the work environment. The crux is to promote wellness. Sponsorship from one of the unhealthiest franchises: Mcdonalds - foregoes the purpose of Wellness Day
Alternative sponsors should be sought
Water from Coca Cola and a Catering company or three to provide healthy alternatives to McD's makes better sense!
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Blurring the lines of health and wellness: Say NO! to sponsorship from the food industry at the UWC Staff Wellness Day
The UWC Staff Wellness Day planned for the 25th March is accepting sponsorship from Coca-Cola and McDonalds (via Old Mutual consultant). Accepting sponsorship from ultra-processed and unhealthy food industry contradicts the promotion of health and wellness. It may appear to provide benefits to staff members in the short term (through free items and activities arranged at the event), but it undermines the health and wellness concept in the long-term.
A 2011 survey on the UWC campus found 85% of men and 80% of women (in university administration) were overweight or obese; with 28% of men and 67% of women presenting with a waist circumference indicative of a high risk for chronic diseases of lifestyle. There was also evidence of blood pressure higher than 140/90 in 28% of men and 15% of women not previously diagnosed with hypertension.
Research shows that the actions of “big food” companies drive the obesogenic food environment and diet-related non-communicable diseases. Energy dense, highly refined ultra-processed foods high in nutrients known to negatively affect health (sodium, added sugars, saturated and trans fats) are made widely available at low cost and aggressively marketed in low- and middle-income countries to form new preferences and habits. In these new markets the “big food” companies face limited resistance, shifting consumption patterns and choices towards unhealthy processed products
Given the health and nutrition status at UWC, it is irresponsible to allow these food companies to be involved in the UWC staff wellness day. The only winner will be the food industry through a whole campus market exposure.
Join us in saying NO to sponsorship from the food industry at UWC!
Updates
March 12, 2020
The momentum behind this is undeniable. It proves we all see the irony in these sponsorships.
15 Comments
We should be aware that the wellness day sponsorship is a mere vehicle for marketing of 'Big food" a key proponent of unhealthy food choices. An institution such as UWC, with a Community and Health Faculty, should do better in terms of the health message being sent out through its programs and practices.
Sweet, salty highly processed foods are highly seductive, after that first bite, that first sip we want more and more, but at what cost? The growing burden of overweight, obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease is threatening to overwhelm our healthcare system. If UWC is committed to health and wellness then it needs to lead by example instead of sending mixed messages
I have always had an issue with the Wellness Day being sponsored by unhealthy food and beverage companies. We need to lead by example and set a healthy example on campus to staff and students. In the past, Coca-Cola and other companies has had huge coverage from the wellness event and our own School of Public Health is involved in important research on obesogenic environments, which includes the marketing of unhealthy foods and drinks. Please can our university leaders take action to prevent this from happening in future.
Lead by example UWC. Take a stand against the Big Food industry!
No to unhealthy donation of food items
Alternative sponsorship should be sought for if for nothing but to ensure all aspects of wellness are covered. Wellness Day is not just about staff/institutions spending time out of the normal humdrum of the work environment. The crux is to promote wellness. Sponsorship from one of the unhealthiest franchises: Mcdonalds - foregoes the purpose of Wellness Day
Alternative sponsors should be sought
Water from Coca Cola and a Catering company or three to provide healthy alternatives to McD's makes better sense!
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We should be aware that the wellness day sponsorship is a mere vehicle for marketing of 'Big food" a key proponent of unhealthy food choices. An institution such as UWC, with a Community and Health Faculty, should do better in terms of the health message being sent out through its programs and practices.