WASHINGTON, D.C. – In light of skyrocketing rates of childhood obesity, Congresswoman Lois Capps today announced the introduction of the Student Nutrition and Health Act of 2003, that would create a grant program to help schools purchase vending machines that stock healthy food. The grants would also be used to help schools cover the cost to replace existing vending machines that dispense unhealthy food.
“We know that our kids are suffering from poor health due to overweight and obesity at staggering rates,” said Capps. “As a former school nurse, I know that schools are one key place we can give our children more healthy options for their diets. It does not help to teach them in the classroom that proper nutrition is important for a long and healthy life, then offer them only junk food in the cafeteria vending machines.”
While the U.S. Department of Agriculture regulates the nutrient content of foods sold in the school breakfast and lunch programs, while foods sold in vending machines such as chips, soda, and candy bars, fall outside of these nutritional guidelines.
The presence of vending machines in schools is significant. Data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) indicate that 98% of high schools, 78% of middle schools, and 40% of elementary schools have vending machines that carry products such as soda and snacks that have minimal nutritional value.
Unfortunately many schools are facing enormous budget crises that necessitate finding additional sources for funding school programs. Vending machines can do just that, and schools sign contracts that may be financially difficult to terminate.
The Capps legislation would:
· Provide grants to schools to replace vending machines that dispense unhealthy food or purchase new vending machines that sell healthier food options;
· Enable schools to cover the potential lost revenue caused by replacing an existing vending machine and ending the vending contract;
· Authorize $100 million for these grants, available to schools or school districts through the Centers for Disease Control, from 2004 through 2008.
“We owe it to our kids to empower them to make healthy choices, and the best way to do it is to make those options available to them in the school setting. Healthy food can and should be convenient for our kids,” said Capps. “My bill will make it easier for schools that want to offer healthier alternatives for their kids – like fresh fruits and vegetables, yogurt, and fruit juices – without fear of losing the funding generated by junk food.”
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