In an effort to improve the health of the(ir) people, the Navajo Nation has made history by passing a tax on junk food!

Beginning April 1st, no more cookies, chips or sodas without adding a 2 percent tax for people on the Navajo Reservation in Northern Arizona and New Mexico. In November of 2014 the Tribal Council passed a a two part bill called THE HEALTHY DINE NATION ACT OF 2014.  This bill adds tax for foods that have no nutritional value.  The Native American tribes have battled obesity and diabetes on the reservations for years. The tax, the first in the Indian Nations is expected to raise 1 million dollars a year. That money will be used in fund programs including farmers markets, vegetable gardens and exercise equipment for their people.

Of no surprise, Soda Companies lobbied for the tribe not to pass this bill. Besides, sodas and chips the bill  includes tax on sports drinks and fruit drinks.

The tax will be in effect until the year 2020 at which time it may be extended.

IT WILL COST YOU MORE TO WALK DOWN THIS AISLE!

But here is the second part to the Bill,

Not only does this bill raise taxes on unhealthy foods, it removes taxes from fresh fruits, vegetables and water.

Where else might this type of taxation work?

What a novel thought.  America tends to be the country of over indulgence, perhaps a tax like this on junk foods nationwide might be an answer to a lot of our citizens health and medical issues. Perhaps the Tribes will set an example for all of us.

Read more about this Bill by going to the following two links:

http://www.azcentral.com/story/news/12-news/2015/04/01/12-news-navajo-nation-junk-food-tax/70767404/

http://www.gourmetnews.com/navajo-nation-passes-junk-food-tax/