Have you heard about Boston banning bake sales in public schools? I know it sounds like a joke but I’m completely serious. According to the Boston Herald, Massachusetts has passed new nutrition rules forbidding public schools from selling or serving unhealthy food. This includes fund raisers such as bake sales or candy sales. Vending machines, and sending cupcakes to celebrate a child’s birthday are also included in the list of soon to be illegal activities.
Experts claim that America has an obesity problem, but treating sugar as an illegal drug is not the answer. What’s next? Mandatory calisthenics for all citizens? Maybe I shouldn’t give them ideas. Granted kids SHOULD get healthy foods but sweets are part of being a kid. Imagine a Halloween party without candy. You’ve got bobbing for apples and …. umm, well that’s about it. School districts in California, Colorado, Hawaii, Maryland, Mississippi, Nevada, New Mexico, New York and Texas have already banned bake sales. Maybe they should help to educate children about the importance of making healthy choices and not going overboard with the junk food. I can remember taking a nutrition class in school, do they not still offer such education? Personally, I think this will backfire, telling a child that they can’t have something just makes them want it more.
Hmmm, now I wonder if a parent who’s made a child’s lunch slips a homemade cookie into their lunch box, if its taken away? How sad! Stupid. I agree get the vending machines and make hot lunches healthier, but you are right, that is a bit over board.