That bill passed the state Senate by a vote of 22 to 15. The bill would also ban fruit or sport drinks containing more than 25 grams of sugar. Supporters say the bill will help stem the rising tide of diabetes, heart disease and obesity. Detractors say that the food choices of children are a matter for parents to decide, not the state. Nutrition aside, the bill could have a profound financial effect on schools.
Some schools stand to lose a great deal of money if the bill is approved.
That money pays for everything from homecoming dances to basketball games. If the only thing students can buy at school is low in fat and sugar with no fizz, Tokay High School's athletic director says revenue for sports programs will simply fizzle out. I hope not, but someone is going to have to decide how we finance these programs. Israel says the fact is kids will buy junk food, and if the state lets them buy it from school, at least the school can offer programs to keep the students healthy. If the junk food bill wins final approval it would take affect in 2004.