Food and Fitness visits the Statehouse in support of
new revenues for public health

Laura, Stephanie, AJ and Loida outside of the statehouse

On Tuesday, April 7, 2009, members from the Holyoke Food & Fitness Policy Council accompanied AJ Juarez of the Massachusetts Public Health Association to testify in front of the Joint Committee on Revenue. They were hearing testimony that day from organizations, individuals and businesses about increasing taxes on a variety of goods in order to raise more money. Food & Fitness teamed up with MPHA to support a Wellness Trust that would raise new revenue by taxing soda and junk food, alcohol and some tobacco products. The money raised would be put into a wellness trust that would fund public health projects.

Stephanie Espinosa, a youth member, Loida Martinez, Coordinator, and Laura Pillsbury, Research Coordinator, all gave testimony in support of the Wellness Trust. Sarah Bankert helped to prep the speakers and AJ Juarez provided a ride out to Boston with excellent commentary all the way there (and back).

Stephanie and Loida with Maddie and AJ from MPHA

Waiting...and waiting...and waiting to testify

Department of Public Health Commissioner John Auerbach

Loida Martinez

Stephanie Espinosa

Laura Pillsbury


Afterward, we felt happy to be done but we also learned a lot!


Go Food and Fitness!