Leahy Seeks Soda Restrictions

April 11, 2001

Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-VT) has introduced a bill to give the agriculture Secretary added authority to restrict soda sales in schools. Leady's "The Better Nutrition for School Children Act of 2001" tightens USDA regulations under the National School Lunch Program. Current law bars schools from selling unhealthy drinks and snacks during meals, but some schools are skirting the regulations by giving away soft drinks during meals.

"When it comes to our kids and nutrition, some schools are saying one thing and doing another. Schools teach kids all about the four food groups and the importance of a balanced diet, yet many schools are not only allowing, but encouraging kids to fill up on sodas and empty-calorie snacks instead of taxpayer-funded and nutritionally-balanced school meals," Leahy said.

The Leahy bill mandates that sodas and other unhealthy snacks not be sold or given to students in school during meals, and it requires the agriculture Secretary to decide whether to ban or limit soda and candy sales or donations before lunch. Many schools bring in added revenue through exclusive contracts with soft drink companies and commissions on sales.

A recent USDA study found that sodas contribute to child obesity and diabetes, both of which are on the rise. Other studies have found that sodas put teens at a greater risk for osteoporosis and tooth decay. The secretary, under the bill, would be required to take this and other relevant research on the effects of soda consumption into consideration before issuing a ruling, Leahy said.