Banning Bake Sales In NYC Schools
Posted by Joy M at 10/12/2009 7:02 PM 
Categories: Health, Diet and Nutrition
Tags: Transformation Health Diet
Categories: Health, Diet and Nutrition
Tags: Transformation Health Diet
In a memo on the subject of Competitive Foods, the NYC Department of Education banned the sale of non-approved snack items. This puts an end to bake sales and determines what is available in vending machines. This move is a part of the new wellness policy that is designed to address the roughly 40 percent of the city’s elementary and middle school students who are overweight or obese. I haven't found any other measures that are part of this wellness initiative, however, I hope there are many. It is unlikely that banning bake sales will have any significant impact on improving the health and wellness of the students. With this measure, students won't learn how to make good choices nor what to do when options of unhealthy food are available. If anyone really wants the sugar that the bake sales supplies, they can bring it themselves or visit the neighborhood store and buy it. Clearly, more education on healthy choices is needed.
Some are upset because making these changes reduces the revenue that was generated from bake sales and vending machines. While I understand the need for money, there need to be creative solutions to raise the needed funds. Since the NYC Department of Education hasn't provided any guidance on fund raising alternatives, some within the community are going to have to develop them for themselves.
This is definitely a change. The question remains is this good or bad?
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