The City of Oakland's Sugar-Sweetened Beverage (SSB) Community Advisory Board, in collaboration with the City Administrator's Office, is excited to announce the 2nd Annual Oakland Drinks Water Community Health Fair on Saturday, June 1, 2024.
The Community Health Fair kicks off Oakland Drinks Water month, officially proclaimed by City Council in 2023. The health fair will feature a variety of vendors and activities designed to enhance public health and increase awareness about the health risks associated with consuming sugar-sweetened beverages.
Who: Oakland residents and their families
What: Music, food, and fun activities for the whole family. Highlights include health screenings, cooking demonstrations, and interactive educational sessions.
When: Saturday, June 1, 2024, 12 PM to 4 PM
Where: Lake Merritt Bandstand area, across from 666 Bellevue Ave. (Nearest public transit: 19th Street BART, AC Transit Lines 18, NL, 57, 12)
"The Oakland Drinks Water Community Health Fair is a wonderful initiative that showcases our City's commitment to health and wellness," said District 3 Councilmember Carroll Fife. "I'm proud to support this event and invite all residents to come out to learn why water is the healthiest choice and enjoy the activities planned for the day."
"This community event underscores Oakland's commitment to promoting healthier lifestyles, preventing and mitigating the risks of chronic illnesses, and advocating for policies that foster a thriving, healthy community," said Nile Taylor, SSB Community Advisory Board Chair.
About the Sugar Sweetened Beverage Tax (Measure HH)
The Oakland Drinks Water Community Health Fair is made possible through funding from Oakland's Measure HH Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Tax. Passed by voters in 2016, Measure HH established a tax on sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs). This tax, set at 1 cent per fluid ounce, is levied on distributors of SSBs in Oakland, not directly on consumers. The goal is to reduce consumption of SSBs and improve public health. Revenue from the tax funds community programs focused on health and education initiatives related to SSB consumption. Oversight of these funds is provided by a Community Advisory Board, which makes recommendations to the City Council on how to allocate the tax revenue.
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