The End of the Bake Sale?

This week the white house is beginning its efforts to eliminate junk food from schools.  The rising rates of obesity in children and the costs of health care are some of the factors dictating this move.  At first I thought this was a no-brainer.  But of course nothing is easy when it comes to political policy.

I believe junk food like soda, candy bars and chips , does not belong in school vending machines.  The "out of sight out of mind" cliche seems to work for kids and junk food.  At least I believe that when they are young.  Why can't the schools simply offer better options in vending machines.  No reason a kid can't satisfy a hunger with water, juice, granola and pretzels.

The problem occurs in drawing the line.  Does this mean that you cannot offer sugary foods or dessert in the cafeteria line?  Does it mean that you cannot sell candy bars and hold bake sales as fund raisers?  What about bringing in cupcakes to celebrate a birthday?

My opinion is that we should eliminate the corporate junk that invites kids to snack on garbage, but to allow a dessert for lunch and a treat to celebrate a special occasion (including fund raising).  I am all about choice but we need to educate our kids prior to giving them these choices.  Removal of the junk food vending machines only hurts the corporations.  The kids aren't adversely affected at all.  However, that is just the beginning.

If we really want to help our kids, the schools should also be teaching nutrition, enforcing daily exercise and even offering healthy eating classes to parents/families.