Los Angeles Unified School District Approves Measure To Ban Junk Food in Vending Machines
The Los Angeles Board of Education on Tuesday voted unanimously to approve a measure that will ban candy, fried chips and other junk food from vending machines next year at the 713 Los Angeles Unified School District campuses, the Los Angeles Times reports. The measure, which will take effect July 1, 2004, will require district schools to replace the junk food with healthier foods, such as baked chips, fruit snacks, pretzels and nuts. The measure will not affect cafeteria menus but will require every district school meal to include at least one vegetarian option. In addition, the measure will require district high schools within two years and elementary schools within six years to offer salad bars. The measure also states that the district should move to eliminate contracts with fast food chains within three years. Marlene Canter, a board member who supports the measure, said, "We have a chance to make a difference in the health of our kids. The provisions of this motion move us in that direction in a big-time way." California Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell, Los Angeles County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavski, the Center for Food and Justice, Community Alliance with Family Farmers, the Los Angeles Food Justice Network, Public Citizen and the Verde Coalition also support the measure. Most opponents raised concerns that the measure will lead to tens of thousands of dollars in lost revenue for the district (DiMassa, Los Angeles Times, 10/29).
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