Examining Vermonters’ Attitudes Towards a Sugary Beverage Excise Tax

Authors

Avery J. Campbell, University of VermontFollow
Elle G. Cunningham, The University of VermontFollow
Jenna G. Eaton, University of VermontFollow
Christine Kahla, University of VermontFollow
Ru Kambli, The University of VermontFollow
Mikaela J. Mari, The University of VermontFollow
Ian A. Strohbehn, The University of VermontFollow
Alyssa B. Tenney, The University of VermontFollow

Date of Publication

2023

Abstract

Background: Americans consume more added sugars from sugar sweetened beverages (SSB) than any other food source. SSB consumption is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, dyslipidemia, diabetes, and obesity. Multiple U.S. cities have implemented SSB taxes, reducing consumption of unhealthy beverages while funding public health efforts. Our project examines Vermonters’ attitudes towards implementing a similar tax, and how use of the revenue may impact their support.

Methods: A nineteen-question anonymous survey was distributed in person, online, and via community forums. Vermont voters ≥18 years old were included. Data were collected from 11 counties. Descriptive statistics and X² tests were performed using R. P-values were calculated with Monte Carlo simulation.

Results: 54.6% of the 511 respondents supported the tax, 28.8% opposed it, and 16.6% were unsure. On average, those in support or unsure indicated they would be “more likely” to support the tax if revenue went towards any of the proposed public health efforts, while those opposed would be “less likely.” There was no significant difference in support between income groups. There was a significant difference in support between age groups.

Conclusions: Over half of Vermont voters support a statewide SSB tax. The strongest support was among older Vermonters. If a tax was introduced, data suggest the level of support of those opposed would decrease if revenue went towards public health efforts and increase amongst those in support or unsure. Of the proposed public health efforts, the use of revenue towards funding school meals had the greatest average increase in support amongst all groups.

Advisor(s)

Paula Tracy, PhD

Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont

Tina Zuk

American Heart Association of Vermont

Subjects

Community, Diabetes, Food Safety, Health Policy, Health-Related Quality of Life & Well-Being, Children, Social Determinants of Health

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 3.0 License

Recommended Citation

Campbell, Avery J.; Cunningham, Elle G.; Eaton, Jenna G.; Kahla, Christine; Kambli, Ru; Mari, Mikaela J.; Strohbehn, Ian A.; and Tenney, Alyssa B., "Examining Vermonters’ Attitudes Towards a Sugary Beverage Excise Tax" (2023). Public Health Projects, 2008-present. 338.
https://scholarworks.uvm.edu/comphp_gallery/338