The Agriculture Department plans to remove high calorie sports drinks and snacks from schools as soon as next year. For the first time, all foods sold in America’s one-hundred-thousand schools will have fat, calorie, sugar and sodium limits.
These rules will apply to both vending machines and cafeteria lines as a part of government efforts to combat childhood obesity.
All snacks sold in vending machines must be 200 calories or less. Al la carte entrée items must contain 350 calories or less. Schools are allowed to sell only water, flavored water, milk, fruit juices and diet sodas.
Some diet teas and lower calorie sports drinks will be allowed. 2010 data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows more than one third of children are overweight or obese. Children’s personal lunches from home will be exempt from the rules.