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By Lorraine Albert
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Oct. 6, 2003 |
Kiss crispy potato chips, soda and chocolate bars farewell; soon school officials will prohibit the sale of unhealthy foods and drinks on campus.
In accordance with SB19, a statewide law passed in 2001 to require that schools offer healthier food to their students, the San Francisco Unified School District has established new food sale regulations.
A district-wide ban on junk food requires that the beanery, cafeteria and vending machines discontinue sales of unhealthy foods such as chips, soda and other foods high in fat or sugar content, according to school nurse Maryann Rainey.
These changes will come slowly. This semester, food sold by clubs and organizations must come from certified kitchens. During the spring semester school administrators will permit only four student sales on the catwalk, and next year only four student sales will be allowed during the entire year.
Foods like Krispy Kreme Donuts that are high in fat and sugar can continue to be sold, but students will only be allowed to sell them once a month.
The vending machines must be stocked with new food choices by Jan. 1, 2004. Nutri-Grain bars, tuna, applesauce, Rice Krispie treats and other healthy snacks will replace the present choices. The drink selection will consist of bottled water, milk and 100 percent fruit juices.
With 20 other California high schools Lowell will pilot Linking Exercise, Activity and Food, a program aimed at improving the health of California teenagers, according to Rainey.
Maryann Rainey, school nurse
Principal Paul Cheng supports the project and is enthusiastic about its potential to change students lives.
Were finally falling into line and acting on what health experts have been telling us for years, Cheng said. Hopefully the results will not only be positive, but also long term.
Some of the lunch food previously offered on campus had a fat content of over 50 percent. Now all food is required to have less than 30 percent fat, according to Rainey.
This ban is long overdue, Rainey said. Financial profits should not be made by selling junk food.
However, junior Student Body Council vice president Jonas Chin disagreed.
I am concerned about the welfare of Lowells clubs, Chin said. Theyre going to have to find new ways to raise money. If students really want junk food, they can easily bring it from outside of school.
Although some students oppose the new proposition, others see it as a positive new opportunity.
Its a good thing, senior Faustine Choi said. Health is important in high school, and students are exposed to too much junk food.
However, students need not worry about the quality of the food.
Better tasting healthy food is on its way, Rainey said.
By January all the food and drinks sold around school will meet the new district health standards. |
