New Junk Food Regulations in Schools May Lower Obesity Rate

It just seems like cruel and unusual punishments to leave the kids at school without their Lunchables and ding-dongs. To add to that, what will cafeteria bullies be hunting for if the most prized possessions in the cafeteria are fruits and vegetables?

No one is certain. However, the U.S. Department of Agriculture is restricting the snacks that can be sold around the school in cafeterias--a regulation that's applying to 100,000 schools nationwide in the hopes to curb the obesity epidemic that often starts during childhood.

"Nothing is more important than the health and well-being of our children," said Tom Vilsack, the agriculture secretary, via The New York Times. "Parents and schools work hard to give our youngsters the opportunity to grow up healthy and strong, and providing healthy options throughout school cafeterias, vending machines, and snack bars will support their great efforts." 

According to the Associated Press, the regulations--required under a child nutrition law passed by Congress in 2010--are meant to combat childhood obesity, which could lead to a major change in the foods children consume and the dietary choices they make.

Another major change schools will be experiencing under the new rule is a near-ban on high-calorie beverages. Only sport drinks and sodas containing less than 60 calories or less than 12-ounces per serving will be allowed in high schools. Diet teas, diet sodas and many other low calorie drinks fitting within the guidelines will also be available.

In elementary and middle schools, drinks take a stricter course. Beverage choices are limited to only water, carbonated water, 100 percent fruit or vegetable juice and low fat and fat-free milk. This also includes fat-free flavored milks, according to the Associated Press. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that childhood obesity rates have more than doubled in the past 30 years in the United States, predisposing children to harmful conditions, including diabetes, heart conditions and other ailments.