In 2005, U.S. Senator Ted Kennedy re-introduced his bill to ban the sale of junk food and soda pop in public schools nationwide. The bill is called the "Prevention of Childhood Obesity Act" (S. 799) and it has several excellent provisions. Most importantly, in schools that receive federal funds, the bill would ban vending machines that sell "foods of poor or minimal nutritional value," including soda pop, some candy, chewing gum, etc. It would provide grants to schools that prohibit advertising and marketing of "foods of poor or minimal nutritional values such as fast foods, soft drinks and candy," or provide food options low in fat, calories and added sugars, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains. It would require daily physical activity classes, and would encourage the consumption of water in school and in communities.

School Vending Machines “Dispensing Junk”

75 Percent of Drinks and 85 Percent of Snacks Unhealthful, Says CSPI

A nationwide survey of vending machines in middle schools and high schools finds that 75 percent of the drinks and 85 percent of the snacks sold are of poor nutritional value. The study, of 1,420 vending machines in 251 schools, was organized by the Center for Science in the Public Interest ( CSPI ) and conducted by 120 volunteers. CSPI contends that all foods sold out of vending machines, school stores, and other venues outside of the official school lunch program should make positive contributions to children's diets and health.

Two recent articles based on research done by the Kaiser Family Foundation clearly expose the reason the "Get Outta My Face" Team of ten Oregon teens are hard at work  creating a critical mass of youth projects for smart food choices and an active lifestyle.  (http://get-outta-my-face.blogspot.com ) .

With Gen FIT vending, the vending “machine” becomes a learning tool. Vending adds workplace skills, awareness and valuable leadership roles for all students. In high school, it can also provide rich interaction with peers and community businesses for at-risk students in grades 9-12.

Surgeon General's Call to Action

For more, see our section on RESEARCH and School Fitness Solutions .

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