Granola Bars Replace Candy as U.S. Limits School Snacks

[WestVirginiaRebel]

Bloomberg:

Candy bars in school vending machines will be replaced by granola and dried fruit under a U.S. plan that sets nutrition requirements for snacks, sodas and other food sold outside of regular meals.

Schools will have to limit unhealthy fare sold separately from federal school meals, according to a proposal released today by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The U.S. says snacks peddled in vending machines can be no more than 200 calories and must meet other nutrition criteria, such as limits on fat and sugar.

The government about a year ago revamped nutrition standards for school lunches and breakfasts as it seeks to reduce child obesity. Even before the standards were changed, parents’ groups raised concerns that food outside the meals program -- such as student-run bake sales -- would be outlawed. While today’s proposal regulates areas such as vending machines, the department avoided that issue by leaving it up to states.

“Parents and teachers work hard to instill healthy eating habits in our kids, and these efforts should be supported when kids walk through the schoolhouse door,” Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said in a statement. “Good nutrition lays the groundwork for good health and academic success.”

The proposal doesn’t apply to foods brought to school in bagged lunches. It also doesn’t cover food sold at concession stands after school ends or items children bring in to celebrate birthdays or special events.

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Hippie food, coming soon to a school near you...