Winners of the 2022-23 “Drop the Pop” Campaign Announced
Press Release
October 11, 2023
Today, Minister of Health and Social Services, Julie Green, revealed the winning schools of the 17th annual “Drop the Pop” campaign. The award recognizes exceptional efforts from 13 schools in six education districts within the Northwest Territories to promote healthier beverage choices.
The “Drop the Pop” campaign is supported by the Department of Health and Social Services encourages students, families, schools, and communities to:
- Choose healthy beverages, especially water.
- Embrace a diverse range of nutritious foods from local harvests and stores.
- Foster lasting healthy eating and drinking habits for long-term wellbeing.
This year’s winners demonstrated creativity and dedication in advancing these goals. Each district will receive awards ranging from $500 to $2,000 to recognize their schools’ efforts.
Highlights from several of this year’s winners include:
In the Deh Cho region, Charles Tetcho School in Sambaa K’e conducted comprehensive research on the impact of sugary drinks on teeth. They invited a dental hygienist to share insights and created informative posters to raise awareness.
Æehtseo Ayha School in Deline, part of the Sahtu Divisional Education Council region, engaged in traditional activities such as fishing, meat preparation, and broth-making to provide appealing alternatives to sweetened beverages.
Chief Paul Niditchie School in Tsiigehtchic, under the Beaufort Delta District Education Authority, tracked their family’s sugary drink consumption, charted the results, and promoted vegetable and fruit smoothies as healthier choices.
Quote:
“Congratulations to students across the NWT who participated in this year’s Drop the Pop challenge. Each year, you create innovative new ways and ideas to help achieve a healthier lifestyle.”
– Julie Green, Minister of Health and Social Services
Quick facts
- This is the 17th year for the Drop the Pop campaign.
- Sugary drinks contribute to obesity-related chronic diseases such as Type 2 diabetes.
Related links
For media requests, please contact:
Jeremy Bird
Manager of Communications
Department of Health and Social Services
Government of the Northwest Territories
1-867-767-9052 ext. 49034
jeremy_bird@gov.nt.ca
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