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AMonline.com
February 9th, 2005
South Carolina bill bans school vending machines, mandates physical education
A law has been proposed that bans vending machines in schools and includes physical education and nutritional standards to be implemented over a three year period, according to WIS-TV in Columbia, S.C. Nutritional education would become a part of the curriculum. The bill also calls for more healthy food choices for students in an attempt to turn the cafeteria tables around toward healthier eating. Click here for the full story.
Editor's Insight: The state vending association should make every effort to see that the bill does not eliminate vending machines in schools. Such a law would undercut much of the necessary funding that local school districts need.
A law that mandates new programs but cuts funding in essence becomes an unfunded mandate.
The vending industry should welcome a bill that mandates physical education and nutrition education. This bill is more proactive than most measures that address obesity, but it needs a dose of reason in regards to vending machines.
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