Originally published July 21 2005
Columbia, Mo. schools consider making vending machine fare more nutritionally oriented
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
A committee formed by the Columbia, Mo. school board is considering whether to replace the traditional candy and junk foods in vending machines with sugar-free foods and healthy snacks.
School Board has formed a committee that will meet next week to discuss and make recommendations whether to place healthier foods in school vending machines, according to The Missourian in Columbia, Mo.
At last week's Columbia School Board meeting, the Columbia-Boone County League of Women Voters recommended that the district remove food and drinks of minimal nutritional value from vending machines.
Marci Lower, the league's education director, presented findings from various studies on the health consequences of "junk" food consumption among children.
The League of Women Voters is not the first community group to voice concern about vending machines in schools.
The Good Food for School coalition began working on the issue three years ago.
In addition, Rep. Judy Baker, D-Columbia, is writing a bill to address nutrition in schools.
The bill would call for the replacement of junk food with sugar-free beverages and healthy snacks.
Board member Darin Preis said the vending machines bring in about $70,000 to the district each year, which is used for student activities and supplies.
Although Lower and Preis would prefer to see all vending machines removed from schools, they both said it may be more feasible and economical to replace them with healthier choices.
Along with the concern about vending machines in schools, the league is also interested in improving health and nutritional education.
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