A report from the Government Accountability Office leaves little doubt about the proliferation of junk foods in America's schools. Despite pockets of progress around the country, the GAO report shows that nearly nine out of 10 schools offers junk foods to kids out of vending machines, school stores, and via "a la carte" lines right in the cafeteria.
The report indicates that high schools are pretty much saturated with junk food, and middle schools seem to be getting worse, not better.
That some high schools have come to depend on revenue from junk-food sales is a national disgrace, said Director Margo G. Wootan, Nutrition Policy Director at the Center for Science in the Public Interest. But this revenue isnt a donation from Coke or Pepsi ---its coming out of parents and childrens pockets, she added.
Schools can make money without selling junk food. A study by USDA and CDC found that in 17 schools and districts that measured revenue before and after improving school foods, 12 saw revenue increase and four had no change.
We certainly encourage school systems and state legislatures to act on their own, Wootan said, but strong federal action is needed to protect what is, after all, a major federal investment in the school lunch program.
Wootan added, Its startling how many legislators have put the rights of Coke, Pepsi, and other junk-food makers ahead of the things that parents value -- their kids education and health.
