Sugar-sweetened beverage tax

Dear Editor,

South Carolina ranks 42nd in the country when it comes to health outcomes. However, affording healthier options can be a barrier to one’s longevity since eating a healthier diet is more expensive and inconvenient.

A possible solution is reducing the cost of whole foods and broadening sin taxes from alcohol and cigarettes to include some junk foods. For example, in 2014, San Francisco taxed sugar-sweetened beverages an average of 47 percent. Soon, San Francisco saw a 21 percent reduction in the consumption of sodas.

As for various junk foods, Hungary imposed a 4 cent tax on packaged foods and drinks high in sugar, fat or salt, such as fruit jams and candies. According to WHO,

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