Setting Limits on Soda and Sugar Snacks in Schools

None by KCPW

(KCPW News) Utah's rules regarding vending machines in public schools are so lax that state officials think it's time to crack down. Charlene Allert, assistant director of child nutrition programs for the State Office of Education, explains:

"The only thing it says is you can't sell 'foods of minimal nutritional value' in the lunchroom during meal periods," says Allert. "Those foods are generally high-sugar sodas, candy, jellies, gums, marshmallow candy and such."

But outside the cafeteria, "anything goes" in school vending machines.

The State Board of Education tomorrow will consider limiting vending machine food - or possibly banning the machines outright. In the absence of state regulations, Allert says many school districts have implemented their own restrictions. Their efforts are made easier by a recent commitment from snack and beverage companies to offer healthier options like water and dried fruit.

"I think you can have a profitable vending machine program with health foods," says Allert. "And I think the best thing is to help the kids in the school decide what products they want in the machines. Kids are great advocates for their own health if you ask them what they want."

A recent audit estimates Utah's public schools pocketed a combined three and a half million dollars during 2005 from vending machine contracts. For that reason, schools officials have resisted vending machine restrictions until the snack and soda industry began offering healthier options.

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