Machines pulled as Delaware Valley ends the Pepsi generation

WESTFALL - According to the Delaware Valley School District, a district-wide removal of soda machines will be completed by the first days of the 2006-2007 school year. Iced tea, 100% light fruit juices, and water (even flavored), will replace these drinks which have been identified to contribute to the increase in childhood obesity and diabetes. Peter Ioppolo, Principal at the Delaware Valley Middle School, says the change is good. “It’s better to be proactive than reactive,” he commented. Asked how the students will react, he replied, “The thirsty ones will continue to drink.” Ioppolo noted that people who consume two sodas a day will ingest the equivalent of four pounds of sugar over the course of a week. He also expressed his hope that the change will become habitual for the students, so that they will also cut down on soda consumption at home. According to Ioppolo, PepsiCo has been “totally onboard and supportive” of the change. Teachers and administration at the school are too, and that’s not solely due to the fact that the machines will remain in the faculty rooms.