USDA Wants Healthy Fare in School Vending Machines
New rules proposed for school vending-machine fare and a la carte items sold in the lunch line could mean the end of some of the chips, cookies, and sugary drinks now available in schools—sometimes in direct competition with school meals, which already must meet rigorous nutrition standards.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture proposal , on which the public can comment through April 9, would keep soda out of elementary and middle schools and limit calories in drinks sold in high schools—but not caffeine or carbonation. It seeks to limit fat, calories, and sodium in vending-machine and a la carte foods; require items to be made from whole grains, fruits, vegetables, dairy products, or protein; and mandate that they naturally contain nutrients such as calcium and fiber.
In a nod to bake sales and football games, the regulations wouldn't apply to food sold for occasional fundraising...
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