Use 2026 Soda Tax to Save Berkeley School Gardens

Why do we need a new tax measure?

We need to preserve 10 years of public health investments and strengthen our funded programs – including BUSD garden classes – by dedicating the revenues and increasing the tax rate to 2-cents.

What election will we vote on this?

We need to collect 5,000 signatures to qualify for the November 2026 ballot.

How will the new revenues be invested?

We are building upon what we learned from the inaugural tax in 2014. The new funds will continue to help fight type 2 diabetes, heart disease, tooth decay, and childhood obesity. Revenues will continue to fund clean water access, health and nutrition education, and access to healthy and nutritious foods.

• 42.5% will go to BUSD specifically for the cooking and gardening programs.
• 42.5% will go to Berkeley-based community organizations to improve community health.
• 15% will go to the City of Berkeley to administer the tax and grants.

Is the 2014 Soda Tax working?

YES! Sugary drink consumption declined by 52% in demographically diverse neighborhoods and water consumption increased 29% (PMC6417561).

What have the sugary drink tax revenues been spent on?

Since the tax revenues have been collected, the City Council has allocated over $12 million in community grants through the Healthy Berkeley Program, including:

• Nearly $6 million to BUSD for the school garden and cooking programs
• $6.5 million to community-based organizations

The Healthy Berkeley program has reached 60,000 unduplicated community members:

• Nearly 80,000 health and dental screenings
• 30,000 community workshops/classes
• 3,000 food assistance touchpoints
• 16 Hydration Stations installed in Berkeley
• 12,000 BUSD students attended garden or cooking classes in 2024-25

Soda taxes were on the ballot in 2024. Why are we voting again?

In 2024, Berkeley reauthorized our soda tax so it wouldn’t expire. With the tax permanently renewed we can dream bigger. Now we want to raise the tax to enhance its health and community benefits. Big Soda has not stopped marketing junk to our kids, so we want to keep fighting for their health.

Are soda taxes legal?

The state constitution allows cities like Berkeley to levy taxes on soda distributors for the benefit of community health and well-being. Because they are bullies, Big Soda may sue the City to stop our voter initiative, but their threats should not stop us from doing what is right for our schools and community. And if they do, public health partners will join in defending Berkeley.