New School Snacks

I found an article in the New York Times about how the Education Department is trying to work on a new contract for schools which would mean less junk food. The contract for the drinks would give exclusive drink machine rights to CC vending which is in the Bronx and they would be selling Pepsi products to the schools. The elementary schools and middle schools would be required to sell drinks that have less than 10 calories per 8 ounces and for the high schools 25 calories per 8 ounces. The drinks would not be allowed to be artificially sweetened which means no sodas are allowed. They would have to be caffeine free or non carbonated.

The snack machines would be run and operated by Answer Vending which is in Queens and it would put limits on calories, fat and sugar content. They are trying to get rid of all unhealthy foods from schools and replace them with healthier foods. The new rules would also ban bake sales except for once a month bake sales for parent groups to raise money for the school. These new contracts with both CC Vending and Answer Vending will be replacing the other unhealthier vending machine companies.

I think that its a very smart idea for the schools to be making healthier choices because childhood obesity is a very serious issue. I know from experience that kids at schools eat a lot of calorie, fat, and sugar filled snacks and drinks. Having healthy snacks will not just help with obesity but overall health.

-Ben Sampson