School Vending Machines Receive a Makeover

New USDA rules will eliminate the sale of junk food in school vending machines, affecting 50 million children and more than 100,000 schools.

February 07, 2013

ALBANY, N.Y. - A new set of rules proposed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture seeks to eliminate the sale of "junk" food sold in school vending machines, the first new vending machine nutritional rules in more than 30 years, the Times-Union reports.

As part of the 2010 Healthy, Hunger-Free Schools Act, the Smart Snacks in School rule affects roughly 50 million children attending more than 100,000 schools.

"If our children are going to succeed and meet their full potential in the classroom, they need access to healthy meals in the lunchroom," said U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee. "Eliminating junk food from schools and offering healthier snacks is the right thing to do to keep our children healthy and on a path to success."

The rules are part of the school lunch program that sets federal guidelines addressing childhood obesity. Under the new rules, vending machines could only offer snacks with whole grains, low-fat dairy, fruits, vegetables and protein as the main ingredient. Additionally, they would be limited to 200 calories or less per portion and must be trans fat-free, as well as lower in saturated fat, sodium and sugar.

The rules would take effect no earlier than the 2014-15 school year and the public can review the proposal and submit comments during a 60-day comment period.

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