Issue Date: Vol. 50, No.1, January 2010, Posted On: 2/3/2010
Ontario Schools Ban 'Junk Food' In Venders And Over The Counter
by Staff Reporter
vending, vending machine, vending business, vending route, healthy food for schools act, Ontario Ministry of Education, vending in schools
WINDSOR, ON, Canada -- Students in Ontario will face a total ban on foods and beverages its government deems to be "unhealthy," on school property, including candy, soda and energy drinks, with the start of the 2011 school year.
The new nutrition standards, which apply to vending machines, school stores and cafeterias, will be mandatory throughout the province by Sept. 1, 2011 under the Healthy Food For Schools Act. The rules prohibit foods that contain few or no essential nutrients and/or contain high amounts of fat, sugar and sodium, including candy, energy drinks and fried foods.
The act also requires that 80% of a school menu must include products with the highest levels of essential nutrients and the lowest amounts of fat, sugar and sodium, including more fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grain breads. Only 20% of foods can include products with slightly higher amounts of fat, sugar and sodium, such as bagels and cheese.
The Ontario Ministry of Education said the ban addresses an increasing trend of overweight children making "bad" health choices and that the goal, ultimately, is to save the province money in future healthcare costs. Studies show that 28% of Ontario's students between the ages of two and 17 are overweight or obese.
