The Food Police!

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Pa. bill sets limits for foods and drinks served in schools

LAUREN WHETZEL The York Dispatch

State lawmakers are trying to help combat childhood obesity. The state House recently approved a bill to regulate the types of foods and drinks available to students in Pennsylvania's schools. State Rep. Eugene DePasquale, D-York City, said he has two children in school and believes it's important to make sure healthy and nutritional options are available in all schools in the state. "We can't control what the children are eating in their homes, but when they're in the schools we should do our best to make sure they're receiving healthy options," he said. Although the bill was approved, DePasquale was the only York County House representative to vote in its favor. It passed in a 116-83 vote. Proposed changes: Here's what the changes would mean for Pennsylvania schools, according to the House bill: The sale of all beverages other than water, reduced-fat milk and fruit juices made from 100 percent real juice would be prohibited in elementary and middle schools. In high schools, however, the bill would permit the sale of non-carbonated beverages with fewer than 66 calories per eight ounces. The proposal would also ban the sale of vending machine and a la carte snacks that all have more than 150 calories, 30 percent total calories from fat, more than 35 percent weight from added sugars and more than 230 milligrams of sodium. Because regular sized candy bars usually boast more than 150 calories, the bill wouldn't allow them to be sold. However, the bill would permit items such as baked potato chips, pretzels, granola bars and nuts. Schools with vending machines would be encouraged to include refrigerated snack vending machines that accommodate fruits, vegetables, yogurts and other perishable items, the bill states. If the bill passes the state Senate and is signed into law, the following beverages would not be permitted for sale during school hours: Soft drinks with high-calorie sweeteners, sports drinks and iced teas with more than 120 calories, beverages containing caffeine -- excluding lowfat or fat-free chocolate milk -- and fruit-based drinks containing less than 100 percent fruit juice or with high-calorie sweeteners. Under the bill, school cafeterias would also be required to offer students the choice of at least two fruits and/or non-fried vegetables on a daily basis. DePasquale, a co-sponsor of the legislation, said he's "been fighting for this bill since the very beginning." The legislation also includes language that would monitor the schools to ensure their compliance with the regulations. Cafeterias now: In the Dallastown Area School District, about six different fruits and a couple of vegetable options are offered daily to students, said Susan Ayres, director of food services. Even popular food items such as pizza are made healthier in the school district because pizzas are made with whole grain crusts and low-fat cheeses, she said, noting healthier alternatives and fresh fruits and vegetables are costly. No sodas are made available with purchased school lunches, and all milks offered are low-fat, she said, adding that food services is not in charge of the school district's vending. A few years ago, however, the vending machines at Dallastown schools stopped carrying soda and sports drinks, said Alan Fauth, high school principal. "The only beverage carried in the vending machines are bottles of water," he said. Opposition: Funding was a key reason some York County lawmakers gave for voting against the bill. State Rep. Ron Miller, R-Jacobus, voted against the bill because "it basically requires the schools to spend more money," he said. "Next year will be so bad for schools because stimulus funds disappear," he said. "We can't place more demands for funding on the schools unless the state appropriates the money." State Rep. Scott Perry, R-Dillsburg, said the government has no business acting as "the food police." Perry, a parent himself, said he doesn't believe anyone has the right to monitor what his child can or cannot eat, whether it be in the schools or not. -- Reach Lauren Whetzel at 505-5433 or lwhetzel@yorkdispatch.com. Print   Email   Font ResizeReturn to Top  Read more at www.ydr.com

 

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