The Oklahoma Beverage Association (OBA) has announced that it is teaming up with the Oklahoma City-County Health Department and the Oklahoma Grocers Association (OGA) to launch the Balance Calories Oklahoma Initiative. The effort is part of the Balance Calories Initiative, a national, multi-year effort from America’s leading beverage companies and the Alliance for a Healthier Generation to help fight obesity by reducing beverage calories consumed per person by 20 percent nationally by 2025.

Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett, who helped kick off the initiative at the Oklahoma City-County Health Department, commented, “Improving the health of our city is a cause near and dear to my heart. I support initiatives that will help Oklahomans live a balanced lifestyle through diet and exercise. Balance Calories Oklahoma provides them with the choices and information to help them on that path.”

The program encourages Oklahomans to “Balance What You Eat, Drink & Do” by providing calorie balance messages on beverage vending machines, self-serve fountain dispensers and retail coolers in convenience stores, restaurants and other locations. OBA, OGA and member companies will also engage in consumer outreach efforts to increase awareness of the wide array of no- and lower-calorie and smaller portion beverages available.

Additionally, Oklahoma’s leading beverage companies, along with OBA, will take part in events statewide to raise awareness around the initiative – some of which will include OGA and the Oklahoma City-County Public Department.

Gary Cox, executive director of the OKC-County Health Department, added his support, saying, “We are proud of the broad base of partners that we have the opportunity to work with daily in our community to improve health. One of those great partners is the Oklahoma Beverage Association, and we are excited to host the kick off of the Balance Calories Initiative to encourage OKC residents to make informed decisions for their families.”

For more information on the Balance Calories Oklahoma Initiative, visit www.okbeverage.org/balance-calories-oklahoma.