New Rules in Schools: Say Goodbye to Unhealthy Foods

Obesity has been a rising problem in our country for a long time, but now it’s starting to seriously affect our young ones.

New rules, which will be proposed on Tuesday, would limit the marketing of unhealthy foods in schools across the country to hopefully combat this growing trend.

They would phase out the advertising of sugary drinks and junk foods around campuses during the school day and ensure that other promotions in schools were in line with health standards that already apply to school foods, according to the Associated Press (This article was originally published by the AP, but published again in the Naples Daily News).

The proposed rules are part of first lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move initiative to combat child obesity.

“When parents are working hard at home, they need to rest assured that those efforts aren’t being undone when kids are out of their control at school,” Sam Kass, White House senior nutrition policy adviser, said ahead of the announcement.

Let us know in the comment section below if you agree.

The proposed rules come on the heels of USDA regulations that are now requiring foods in the school lunch line to be healthier.

Rules set to go into effect next school year will include healthier options in vending machines and separate “a la carte” lines in the lunch room.

Calorie, fat, sugar and sodium limits will have to be met on almost every food and beverage sold during the school day at 100,000 schools, according to the article. However, concessions sold at afterschool sports games would be exempt.

At least you’ll still get your coke and hotdogs while you watch some Football.

The healthier food rules have come under fire from conservatives who think the government shouldn’t dictate what kids eat — and from some students who don’t like the healthier foods.

But we want to know how YOU feel.

However, the rules being proposed on Tuesday would make it easier for the highest-poverty schools to serve lunch and breakfast to all students for free. According to the USDA and the White House, that initiative would allow 9 million children in 22,000 schools to receive free lunches.

How amazing would that be?

In addition to the potential new rules, the Obama administration will announce new guidelines for school wellness policies. Schools have been required to have general wellness policies that set their own general standards for foods, physical activity and other wellness activities since 2004. But the new rules would require parents and others in the school community to be involved in those decisions.

What do you think about that? Let us know!