Soda, candy out under USDA's proposed school snack rules

[CG6468]

The Food Police have taken over our lives.

Soda, candy out under USDA's proposed school snack rules

By Elise Viebeck - 02/01/13 01:45 PM ET

The Obama administration proposed regulations Friday that would prohibit U.S. schools from selling unhealthy snacks.

The 160-page regulation from the Department of Agriculture (USDA) would enact nutrition standards for "competitive" foods not included in the official school meal.

In practice, the proposed rules would replace traditional potato chips with baked versions and candy with granola. Regular soda is out, though high-schoolers may have access to diet versions.

 "Although nutrition standards for foods sold at school alone may not be a determining factor in children's overall diets, they are critical to providing children with healthy food options throughout the entire school day," the proposed rule states.

"Thus, these standards will help to ensure that the school nutrition environment does all that it can to promote healthy choice, and help to prevent diet-related health problems."

The rules are a product of the 2010 Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act, which also overhauled the nutritional make-up of regular school meals. They would apply to any school, public or private, that participates in the National School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Program.

Those rules saw a backlash from conservative lawmakers who said students were going hungry as a result of calorie limits. A GOP House member famously compared the rules to "The Hunger Games." The USDA eventually relaxed some guidelines in response.

"Guidelines" for what kids eat 

[Dori]

The Food Police have taken over our lives.

I don't think we've seen anything yet....wait until Obamacare kicks in and Sebelius quits writing regulations to it.   (she's up to 13,000 pages so far)

[JohnnyReb]

Soft drinks and candy machines weren't allowed in the school house when I went to school.....water fountains and the cafeteria was it.

[seahorse513]

I realize that our school and government are concerned with our children eating healthy, but ultimately, it is up to the parents to make sure their kids are eating healthy and getting regular EXCERCISE!!!

[thundley4]

Soft drinks and candy machines weren't allowed in the school house when I went to school.....water fountains and the cafeteria was it.

Same here, but with the exception of students selling candy for fundraising, and one old teacher who sold candy to help buy school supplies for needy students.

[IassaFTots]

I think we need to extend that same restriction to children at home as well.










If their parents are receiving gummint assistance, that is.

[Karin]

Amen to that, Tots.  I'm surprised Michelle hasn't waved the sceptor and made it so.  There is no reason that taxpayers should be subsidizing Doritos and Pepsi.

In practice, the proposed rules would replace traditional potato chips with baked versions and candy with granola.

  Barf.  Ever try those baked Lay's?  Tastes roughly like drywall. 

We never had these vending machines in school.  Sounds like they're more trouble than they're worth.  We didn't even have a "snack" or snacktime.  For one thing, the girls would never be caught dead "snacking" around boys. 

[thundley4]

Amen to that, Tots.  I'm surprised Michelle hasn't waved the sceptor and made it so.  There is no reason that taxpayers should be subsidizing Doritos and Pepsi.
  Barf.  Ever try those baked Lay's?  Tastes roughly like drywall. 

We never had these vending machines in school.  Sounds like they're more trouble than they're worth.  We didn't even have a "snack" or snacktime.  For one thing, the girls would never be caught dead "snacking" around boys. 

Baked Lay's aren't bad with enough dip covering them.