school food

High school vending machines. (via MSNBC)

Washington is going on the offensive. No, this isn’t another bailout. U.S. Senators want to give candy in vending machines the boot from schools. And I say, it’s about time. Leave it to mom and dad to pack a Snickers if they want to.

A bill was just introduced that would require schools in the U.S. to provide healthier options in order to fight the childhood obesity epidemic.

Senators Tom Harkin and Lisa Murkowski said their bill would allow the U.S. Agriculture Department to establish “common-sense nutrition standards” for food and beverages sold in school vending machines.

An extensive study in Dutch schools has shown promise for reversing the course of childhood obesity. The program, dubbed Dutch Obesity Intervention in Teenagers (DOiT), was run in 10 schools. As a result, teenagers’ consumption of sugar-laden sodas was dropped and body-fat was reduced.

The program specifics included some basic common sense measures: a boost in the students’ exercise levels, and reducing junk food and sugary drinks. The students also had 11 health lessons, and schools were encouraged to increase gym classes and make changes in cafeteria food.