Corporate America's Health Food Push In The Inner City

"Pepsi, with net income of $4.1 billion last year on revenue of $32.6 billion, is one of the biggest sellers of sugary colas and high-calorie snacks. That puts the company in the crosshairs of a growing public-health debate over obesity, nutrition and marketing to children. This year, Pepsi is spending millions on a test program in Chicago, trying to encourage inner-city African-Americans and Latinos to adopt healthier eating and exercise habits -- without seeing any loss in sales for the company."

"Critics contend Pepsi's latest efforts are merely aimed at fattening its bottom line. For instance, they say baked snacks might be lower in fat and calories, but are still junk food."

"Other food companies are also reaching out to minorities on health issues. This summer, Coke sponsored MegaFest, an Atlanta conference geared to African-Americans, during which it offered 100,000 attendees nutritional advice and aerobics set to gospel music. Kraft Foods Inc. has worked with the National Latino Children's Institute to develop a curriculum on healthy eating and exercise. General Mills Inc. has collaborated with Black Entertainment Television Foundation to offer health information to African-American women."

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