The navajo nation healthy diné nation act: A two percent tax on foods of minimal-to- no nutritious value, 2015-2019

Del Yazzie, Kristen Tallis, Caleigh Curley, Priscilla R. Sanderson, Regina Eddie, Timothy K. Behrens, Ramona Antone-Nez, Martin Ashley, Herbert John Benally, Gloria Ann Begay, Shirleen Jumbo-Rintila, Hendrik D. de Heer

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Our study summarizes tax revenue and disbursements from the Navajo Nation Healthy Diné Nation Act of 2014, which included a 2% tax on foods of minimal-to-no nutritional value (junk food tax), the first in the United States and in any sovereign tribal nation. Since the tax was implemented in 2015, its gross revenue has been $7.58 million, including $1,887,323 in 2016, the first full year. Revenue decreased in absolute value by 3.2% in 2017, 1.2% in 2018, and 4.6% in 2019, a significant downward trend (P =.02). Revenue allocated for wellness projects averaged $13,171 annually for each local community, with over 99% successfully disbursed and more rural areas generating significantly less revenue. Our results provide context on expected revenue, decreases over time, and feasibility for tribal and rural communities considering similar policies.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article numbere100
JournalPreventing Chronic Disease
Volume17
DOIs
StatePublished - 2020
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Health Policy
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

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