| ■ Bill Aims to Reduce Junk Food in U.S. Schools | 2010.03.26 |
| American schoolchildren may have less access to junk food under a bill approved Wednesday by the Senate Agriculture Committee. The legislation would allow the U.S. Agriculture Department to create uniform standards for all foods in schools, including products in vending machines, the Associated Press reported. That could mean less pizza, chips and other junk food will be available in schools across the nation. The bill, which also would increase the number of low-income children eligible for free or reduced-cost meals, is supported by health advocates and many food companies, the AP reported. But, Congressional action is just the first step. Many of the tough decisions -- such as determining what kinds of foods will be sold -- will be made by the Agriculture Department, the news service said. |