Originally published October 11 2005
Food industry lobbyists are pushing to keep junk food on school menus
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
A state Department of Education committee will allow the food industry to help shape a set of federal guidelines for school menus, angering many legislators and health experts, who feel the food industry's interests are purely commercial.
A state Department of Education committee studying the best way to give school kids healthful food is feeling pressure from groups that want other items on the menu: sugary snacks, soda and high-fat chips.
The committee, now conducting hearings, is made up of nutrition, health and education experts.
But food industry lobbyists will be given a say in nutritional guidelines that may end up as the blueprint for hundreds of local school districts.
"We just decided we didn't want to close the process off to anyone," said Susan Fiore, the state school nutrition coordinator.
"I can't understand why we need to sell anything besides water and milk in schools.
It's so simple," said board member Donald Coolican, who joked that industry officials could find a way to incorporate candy bars into the new nutrition guidelines.
The vending machine industry alone brings in $30 billion a year, and schools bring in an estimated 16 percent of that revenue.
The Grocery Manufacturers Association argued on behalf of continuing the self-regulation of advertising by food companies, suggesting that food companies have the marketing ability to promote healthful eating.
"It's pretty standard to offer our support to businesses that are in partnership with schools," said Kathleen Dezio, a spokeswoman for the ABA, which represents manufacturers and distributors of nonalcholic drinks, such as soda.
A recent survey of ABA members show strong support for a new association suggestion that schools ban soft drinks at elementary schools but make them available to high school students.
They can make many decisions themselves," she said.
He vows to try again in the next legislative session to pass the school nutrition law because he thinks the guidelines suggested by the governor are just that: guidelines.
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