A new child nutrition bill championed by Michelle Obama gives the government power to limit school bake sales and other fundraisers that health advocates say sometimes replace wholesome meals in school.
While schools in general interpret it as a threat to their revenues, parents concerned with their kids' nutrition are welcoming the bill. Some school districts support the bill as well. In Connecticut, about 70 percent of the state's school districts have signed on to the state education department's voluntary guidelines encouraging healthy foods in place of high-sugar, high-fat options. Under those rules, bake sales cannot be held on school grounds unless the items meet nutrition standards that specifically limit portion sizes, fat content, sodium and sugars. In New York City, a rule enacted in 2009 allows bake sales only once a month, and they must comply with nutritional standards and be part of a parent group fundraiser.
While we dislike excessive government intervention, the lack of nutrition knowledge of many professional and amateur bakers may harm kids' diets, if offered on a regular basis during school time. Conscious parents don't want their dollars spent on empty calories. We support some limits on "excessive" and "unhealthy" bake sales, but maybe not from the government? Or fundraising with "less-intrusive" items.... Are you a supporter of this bill?
Source: msnbc
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