Last year, the Council of Better Business Bureau's Children's Food and Beverage Advertising Initiative was created as a means of self-regulation for the Food and Beverage Industry and its advertising to children. Today, chairman of the House Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet, Edward Markey submitted letters to five leading food companies which are not currently part of the Initiative.

"'I am writing to you to ascertain whether your company will join the CBBB initiative and commit to implementing marketing restrictions that meet or exceed those of the other companies that have made pledges, and if so, your timeline for doing so,' wrote Chairman Markey on Wednesday."

Participants in the initiative adopted certain nutrition standards that determine which foods and beverages will and will not be marketed to young children. There are currently 12 companies involved, include Coca-Cola, Hershey, and Kellogg. Among those not involved are Nestle, Dannon, and ConAgra.

Copper Canyon Academy, struggling girls boarding schools, offer programs to help teenage girls deal with their emotions and behaviors while getting caught up academically.

Labels: advertising, food_companies, marketing