Northern and NorthMart stores are once again challenging their young consumers and students to “Drop the Pop” – swapping sugary soda for healthier drink choices, in order to support the development of healthier habits in children and youth.

Drop the Pop is a school-based initiative, led by the territorial government, designed to increase students’ awareness of the effect that sugary beverages have on their health and to encourage them and their families to make healthier drink, food and lifestyle choices.

Throughout the month of April, Northern and NorthMart have donated 2 percent milk cartons to over 9,000 students in 40 schools across Nunavut. The milk donation supports health-themed school activities developed by the Nunavut’s Health Department to provide a healthier drink alternative. This is the 12th year Northern and NorthMart have collaborated with the Government of Nunavut and the community schools to improve the lifestyle habits of children and youth through the campaign.

“We know the importance of providing healthy options to the families,” says Alex Yeo, President, Canadian Retail at The North West Company. “We’ve supported the initiative throughout the years because we want to help children and their families to live better. We hope our contributions help to reinforce the adoption of healthier habits.”