A Mississppi Department of Education proposal that calls forstrict regulations on the types of snack foods and beverages soldin state schools is out for public comment until July 14.

The proposal sets new regulations on the types of foods anddrinks sold in vending machines, student stores, snack bars andfundraisers on school campuses from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

“We understand that a lot of this is mandated and we don’t havea choice in it, but a step above that, we believe it’s a good ideaas far as the well being of the students is concerned and we needto help them make healthy choices,” Bo Simonson, Lincoln CountySchool District director of food services said.

The purpose of the regulations is to achieve three goalsoutlined in the MDE proposal.

“First, minimize excessive intake of calories, especially emptycalories from fat and sugar. Second, increase intake of water andnutrients for optimal growth, development and brain fuctioning,especially from nutrient-rich, minimally processed foods like wholegrains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, lean meats, and dairyfoods and third develop marketing and nutrition educationstrategies to promote healthful options to all students, familiesand school staff.”

In an effort to reach these goals, several changes for vendinghave been proposed.

“The proposal calls for no snack sales in grades K-6th,” saidBrookhaven School Superintendent Lea Barrett. “I do have a concernwith that because some of our children do eat lunch rather early inthe day and some of them have a long bus ride home in theafternoon.”

For grades seven through 12, the proposal says that as of Jan.1, 2007, “carbonated soft drinks (to include, but not be limitedto, full-calorie, sugared, no-calorie, low calorie, light or diet)shall no longer be sold in Mississippi schools during the schoolday.” The vending machines can only sell water, milk and 100percent fruit juices, Barrett said.

Snack food items for grades seven through 12 will be regulatedbased on specific key nutrients, total calories, fat, saturatedfat, trans fat and added sugar, if the proposal is approved.

Schools are making preparations and researching options for theupcoming school year.

“We will have to be talking to those who have vending machinesabout changing their products or coming and getting the machines,”Barrett said.

The Lincoln County School District has already made preparationsfor the move toward healthier food chocies.

“After the start of this year, we started looking at the vendingmachines and the drink machines also, Simonson, said. “We have beenshifting gears and preparing ourselves for this for a few monthsnow.”

The Lincoln County School District removed high sugar items suchas soft drinks and candy bars back in March, Simonson said.

“We put in beef jerky, animal crackers, and other items thatdidn’t have a sugar coating or chocolate in them,” he said.

With all of the changes, the proposal does not place regulationson foods sold at school-related events such as sports, plays andconcerts.

For further informaion go to www.mde.k12.ms.us and search”vending regulations” to view the MDE proposal. Comments and/orsuggestions can be directed to Regina Ginn, director, Office ofHealthy Schools, P.O. Box 771, Jackson, MS 39205 orrginn@mde.k12.us.