Selling out health? Vending machines force schools to make hard choices

"They certainly are . . . contributing to the obesity epidemic," said Salt Lake pediatrician Mark Templeman. "The school districts . . . are making money on the waistlines of our children."

The Utah PTA and American Academy of Pediatrics have OK'd resolutions and policy statements, respectively, decrying junk food in school vending machines, and encouraging school leaders to consider changing vended fare.

Even the American Beverage Association last August recommended limiting soft drink availability in schools nationwide.

"The school environment should be consistent with the core curriculum objectives that teach and support healthy nutritional lifestyles and consumer practices," the 2000 Utah PTA resolution states.

Big bucks at stake

But money is in the balance. And Utah educators say schools can't afford to lose a cent.

East High School's Coke contract brought in $10,000 up front the first year, according to documents provided by Salt Lake City School District. The school also gets more than $6 per every case of soda sold in the first two years of the 2003-06 agreement, plus 30 percent sales commission, 150 Coca-Cola school calendars, and no fewer than 12 vending machines.

Highland High's Pepsi perks include a $1,000 annual student scholarship, Gatorade for athletes and $450 in restaurant gift certificates for employee recognition.

In Granite District's Pepsi contract, money goes to schools on a per-pupil basis, and can be spent only on books, athletic programs, school plays and activities and other items benefiting students.

"It's a substantial portion of the reason schools are able to offer those programs," spokesman Randy Ripplinger said of the money.

But Templeman believes there's a better way, that won't put schools in a financial lurch.

Templeman is talking with House Speaker Greg Curtis, R-Sandy, about giving school districts incentives to cut ties with soda companies, mainly by replacing the money they get from pop companies with state funds. He plans, with Curtis, to address the Granite Board of Education about the idea next month.

"I don't think there should be vending machines in our junior highs or elementaries," Rep. Curtis said. "But it's a local issue. We ought to try and incentivize them. I know they're cash-strapped. . . . (But) we think the better policy is, students ought to be eating healthier food."

Wasatch takes lead

Wasatch School District does too.

Its 2004 nutrition policy requires 70 percent of school vending machine offerings to be water, milk, 100 percent fruit juices and foods meeting district minimum nutritional standards.