School Lunch Bill Passes Assembly

Sacramento, CA — Legislation designed to limit the sale of snacks and soft drinks in California´s high schools has passed the state assembly.

Speaker pro Tem Leland Yee introduced Assembly Bill 443 in an effort to curb sales of what he calls “foods with minimal nutritional value.” He says not all foods available on campuses are approved by the state to meet certain nutritional guidelines, and many are high in saturated fats and cholesterol.

Yee says that students who choose the non-approved foods such as candy bars and potato chips over school lunches are jeopardizing their health and performance in school.

Since many school organizations benefit from the sales of snack foods on campus, the bill would allow the sale of such foods only after school hours and during specified days of the school year.

The bill is supported by the teachers and school employees unions, as well as the California School Food Service Association.

It now goes before the Senate for consideration before going to the Governor.