Out with the Soda, and In With the Good Stuff!

With research like this - Effects of Soft Drink Consumption on Nutrition and Health: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis - available, it's a wonder that schools are still able to retain soda vending machine contracts. Fortunately, some states are waking up and have devised strict vending machine rules, both state- and district-wide.

The meta-analysis (full text available from the link above), published in the American Journal of Public Health in 2007 by Yale University, "found clear associations of soft drink intake with increased energy intake and body weight. Soft drink intake also was associated with lower intakes of milk, calcium, and other nutrients and with an increased risk of several medical problems (e.g., diabetes)."

This article, from the Chicago Tribune, details the changes in vending machine legislation in Illinois and other parts of the country (namely NY and CA). It also mentions that the re-authorization of the CNA (Child Nutrition Act) provides stricter regulations for vending machines across the country (awesome!) AND that school districts participating in USDA's HealthierUS School Challenge will have to abide by the stricter regulations outlined by the USDA.

One company helping schools to provide healthy snacks and drinks to students is The Answer Group, who recently won the contract for 500+ vending machines in New York City schools. The machines provide students with snacks such as mango slices, watermelon slices, apples slices, bananas, baby carrots, nut clusters, naturally flavored licorice and fruity waters. I say, let's get them into Chicago!