Local officials support school junk food law

Area educators and elected officials are applauding new legislation that restricts the sale of food that does not meet nutritional standards in schools.Gov. Deval Patrick signed the legislation on Friday. “An Act Relative to School Nutrition” mandates only foods that meet established standards can be sold in public schools during school hours.The new legislation also encourages and supports the use of local farm products in schools and requires fresh fruits and vegetables to be available as snacks at schools. It also calls on the Department of Public Health and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to set guidelines for the training of school nurses around the issues of obesity, diabetes and eating disorders. The bill does allow for “reasonable exemptions” for extracurricular events and fundraisers.Lynn School Committee member Donna Coppola said the new legislation is a step in the right direction.?I think this is so wonderful,” Coppola said. “This is something that is dear to my heart. It’s a great idea. I know the athletic directors rely on vending machines for revenue but I don’t think junk food belongs in the schools.”Coppola said there are not many vending machines in the schools in Lynn and those that remain would probably not be affected by the new legislation.?We don’t have soda or candy in the vending machines in school,” she said. “Most of them have juice and water. I think some of the items in the machines and some of the food served a la carte are questionable though, even though the items are on the list the federal government allows us to buy from.”Sen. Thomas McGee (D-Lynn) said the legislation would help combat childhood obesity and help promote a healthy lifestyle.?This is a great piece of legislation,” he said. “I really believe proper nutrition and physical activity are essential for good health. What is really exciting to me is this legislation has a physical exercise component. “Rep. Lori Ehrlich (D-Marblehead) said she is pleased the Gov. signed the legislation.?Poor nutrition has been shown to have a negative impact on behavior and academic performance,” she said. “I especially like that this new law recognizes this and attempts to provide students with good choices to put the odds of success in their favor.”Patrick said the law is an important step toward ensuring that there are healthy choices for kids at school.?I want to thank our partners in both the Legislature and in the private sector for recognizing that the health and well-being of our children is a key part of ensuring a solid foundation for their futures,” he said.