(KANSAS CITY, Mo., AP) — A Kansas City children’s hospital says it plans to ban soda and sugar-filled juices from its vending machines, the cafeteria and gift shop.

Officials at Children’s Mercy Hospital say the move is aimed at fighting childhood obesity. It will take effect in January.

Karen Cox, the hospital’s executive vice president, says employees and visitors will be able to bring in their own surgary drinks, but the drinks won’t be sold at the hospital.

Hospital administrators say Children’s Mercy is the first hospital in the Kansas City metro region to implement such a ban.

The Kansas City Star reports (http://bit.ly/PRfpAU ) the ban is part of the Partnership for a Healthier America, a national program focusing on eliminating childhood obesity.

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Information from: The Kansas City Star, http://www.kcstar.com