The Associated Press reports that the Appleton, Wisconsin, Board of Education has unanimously voted to stop vending candy and sweets on school grounds, beginning this fall. The board said it was making the move to help improve students' health and combat obesity.
"We have no question in our mind this is a step in the right direction," said Superintendent Tom Scullen "Do we have an obligation to provide the safest, healthiest environment for our kids? Yes we do."
The policy allows the sale of soda and candy after school for student organization and booster club fund-raisers, but not before or during the school day.
The board also encourages Aramark, the district's food service provider, to follow a guideline that any food sold during the school day should derive no more than 30 percent of its calories from fat.
"We have no question in our mind this is a step in the right direction," said Superintendent Tom Scullen "Do we have an obligation to provide the safest, healthiest environment for our kids? Yes we do."
The policy allows the sale of soda and candy after school for student organization and booster club fund-raisers, but not before or during the school day.
The board also encourages Aramark, the district's food service provider, to follow a guideline that any food sold during the school day should derive no more than 30 percent of its calories from fat.
- KC's View:
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This certainly isn't a foolproof policy, and kids will be able to bring whatever they want from home.
But we think it makes sense. Schools have a responsibility to instruct, and not just in the classroom. As long as there are classes that teach kids about nutritional and health issues, this seems like it would be part of a comprehensive curriculum.
