CHARLESTON, SC (WCSC) -
A new law could mean a new
look for school vending machines.
"I think it's a wonderful idea," says Carolyn
Stewart, a teacher at Hanahan Middle School. "With the obesity issue in our
country right now, we really need to be concerned about the nutrition of our
students."
If the bill passes, schools
would no longer sell unhealthy foods. Snacks would have to have less than 200 calories.
Elementary and middle schools could only sell water, low-fat milk, or
100-percent juice with no added sugars. Some teachers say nutrition education should
also be part of the equation.
"Just teaching them small things," explains
Allison Taylor, a teacher at Devon Forest Elementary. "They don't have to
change everything about what they serve, even lean proteins instead of certain
meats or more greens."
The standards will also
cover the "a la carte" lunch lines and any other foods regularly sold
around school. Some parents say they don't mind healthier choices, but kids
should also enjoy what they eat.
"I would not be adverse to
it, but it's a matter of what the kids will actually like. The kids are going
to eat what they want to eat."
Other parents say healthy
eating should be a lesson in the classroom and at home.
"I think it really starts with education at
home and the parents teaching the children good foods to eat, showing them
selections of good foods to eat."
The new law would not
apply to school fundraisers or after school concession stands. Portion size
restrictions would also vary from elementary to high school.
