American's beverage companies know obesity is complex and that's why we're committed to helping communities tackle this tough challenge from all angles. We do that of course through providing more choices with less sugar and zero calories, but we also take pride in our community outreach and local initiatives.

We believe we can have the biggest impact in communities when we work with organizations residents know and trust. In California, beverage makers are partnering with local non-profits that share the goal of helping families live healthier lives through their work educating students and families on the importance of maintaining an active lifestyle and balanced diet. Below are a few of the partnerships we're really excited to be a part of.

• Casa Familiar is a non-profit that helps residents take an active role in their communities by engaging them in civic, sustainability and quality of life issues. As part of our partnership, five Casa Familiar Promotoras will be trained in culturally competent nutrition and health education that they can then provide to 400 community residents. This will include tips for shopping in the beverage aisle to encourage community members to be mindful of the calories in their beverage choices.
• The Caramel Connections Foundation (CCF) works with communities in Southern California to combat obesity by providing nutrition programs such as the Earth2Fork Gardening and Cooking Club and community events focused on healthy activities. Through our partnership, CCF will provide weekly cooking classes to families where participants will be able to sample a variety of low- and zero-calorie beverages that will be paired with the meals.
• The San Gabriel Valley Conservation Corps (SGVCC) provides year-long job training programs to disadvantaged youth where they gain the skills necessary to begin their careers or pursue higher education. With the help of the beverage industry, SGVCC will teach 150 students in the program how to prepare healthy food and provide monthly meals through their Farm to Table Homeless Feeding Project, a partnership with Cal Poly College of Agriculture. The students will receive training on how to read nutrition labels and shopping in the beverage aisle.
• The San Jose African American Community Services Agency (AACSA) is one of the only African American cultural centers in Silicon Valley. We will help them further their mission of providing quality educational, cultural and recreational programs by implementing educational awareness programs about balancing calories from beverages and training sessions. Additionally, the ABA will help AACSA provide 600 brown bags for seniors.

We believe collaboration and education is the best way to help consumers make informed choices in the beverage aisle. We are proud to be supporting these great organizations throughout California and know their work on the ground will help improve hundreds of families' quality of life.