Only In America: Purchase A Giant Pepsi To Raise Money For Diabetes Research

[Northerner]

The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation has confirmed that this is a real promotion occurring now at KFCs across the country. Gulp down a ?mega jug? of Pepsi ? that?s a half gallon containing 56 spoonfuls of sugar ? and one whole dollar will go towards finding a cure for the terrible disease that the drink will give you.

http://www.disinfo.com/2011/06/only...epsi-to-donate-a-dollar-to-diabetes-research/

Apart from the fact that Pepsi isn't the cause of Type 1 diabetes, it's still a pretty strange promotion and hardly healthy! 😱

 

[veganlass]

If it wasnt so serious, it would be laughable...😱

 

[Freddie99]

I'd rather have a half gallon of bitter.

 

[redrevis]

JDRF's reponse to another blog post on the same thing:

I left you a phone message earlier, but I wanted to connect with you regarding your blog post and your request for more information before the weekend.

We appreciate your concerns and your questions about the banner promoting a JDRF fundraising activity at KFC. Please understand that the fundraiser in question is a local initiative in Utah involving a single KFC franchise owner with a personal type 1 diabetes connection.

That said, JDRF values its supporters, both individual and corporate, and their efforts to raise funds to support research aimed at improving lives and curing type 1 diabetes. JDRF carefully reviews national partnership opportunities to ensure that they are appropriate prior to joining corporate campaigns to raise funds.

Regarding this particular promotion, we understand that one of the criticisms has been the association with a sugary product, which many have associated with contributing to diabetes. It?s important to note that JDRF supports research for type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune disease that results when the immune system attacks the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin, therefore requiring a child or adult with the disease to depend on insulin treatment for the rest of their lives. It is a common misconception that type 1 diabetes is caused by obesity or eating too much junk food or sweets.

Finally, JDRF does not endorse any particular products, nor any particular diet. People with type 1 diabetes should work with their healthcare team to determine a diet that works best for them. JDRF fully supports people living with type 1 diabetes engaging in healthy eating habits and lifestyles.

I hope this information helps provide context for the photo that you used as the basis for your blog post. I?m happy to answer any additional questions you may have.

Regards,

Gary Feit
National Manager, External Communications
Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation

 

[Northerner]

I'm more aghast at the fact that you can buy a half gallon of Pepsi to have with your fried chicken! 56 spoonfuls of sugar is about half a pound! 😱

 

[heasandford]

JDRF's reponse to another blog post on the same thing:

That's a truly appalling reply, whether Pepsi has anything to do with causing diabetes or not, the link between diabetes and sugar needs to be made, not ignored - or worse, sugar is promoted! I know type 2 is not the same, but JDRF also need to support them as well! Not happy!