Seattle's movement toward a healthier community is taking another step as the Sweetened Beverage Tax (SBT) Community Advisory Board opens applications for five new members. The Board, which plays a pivotal role in recommending how the city should allocate funds from the SBT, is seeking individuals for two food access positions, two in public health and nutrition, and one dedicated to early learning for children from birth to five years old. Prospective applicants have until January 17 to submit their applications, detailed in an announcement on the City of Seattle's website.
Applicants to the board must reside or work in Seattle, and need to be actively engaged with local groups focused on food justice, health equity, or early childhood development. Their role, though voluntary and unpaid, is crucial to fostering trust in governmental decision-making and nurturing the connection between community efforts and city policies. Despite the lack of a financial incentive, the commitment requires members to allocate 2-4 hours each month, including attendance at monthly meetings.
The SBT, enacted in 2017, aims to curtail the consumption of sugary drinks and enhance the health of Seattle residents. By levying a tax on sugar-sweetened beverage distributors within the city, it generates approximately $22 million each year. These funds are instrumental not only in supporting access to healthy food and child development initiatives but also in steering the city towards broader health and nutrition goals.
According to the details published on the City's website, the SBT Board's impact since its establishment includes influencing the creation of the Food Equity Fund and the Prenatal-to-Three Grant Program. The Food Equity Fund invests in community-led efforts to create an equitable and sustainable local food system, while the Grant Program backs organizations aiding families with critical services from prenatal to early childhood phases. Further insights into the SBT-funded programs can be gleaned from the Board's 2024 Briefing Book.
Interested candidates should send their application, letter of interest, and resume through the online form provided by the City. For assistance or more information on the application process, Bridget Igoe, the Food Policy Advisor for Seattle's Office of Sustainability and Environment, can be contacted at [email protected] or by calling (206) 256-5334.
