Soda Pops To Be Banned From Middle And Elementary Schools
Robert Paul Reyes
May 05, 2006
Middle and elementary school children live in a world of fantasy where it's possible to slay dragons, travel to Mars and wish upon a star. Granola bars, high-fiber foods, carrots and spinach are alien commodities in their universe. Their staples are bubble gum, ice cream, licorice, donuts and soda pops.
But now in a draconian move, the nations's biggest soda companies including Coca-Cola and PepsiCo Inc have agreed to stop selling soda pops in elementary and middle schools. A middle school without soda pops is like a school without a playground.
This deal to fight childhood obesity was brokered by former President Bill Clinton. Slick Willy should concentrate on his own battle with middle age obesity and let children be children.
Gov. Mike Huckabee of Arkansas, who has also had battles with his weight, joined Clinton in announcing the deal. There's nothing worse than a reformed porker; these spoilsports should let us enjoy our sodas in peace.
Are principals going to put up "Soda Pop Free Zone" signs in their schools? I can imagine sugar dealers whispering to kids as they enter the school grounds: Wanna buy a delicious soda chock full of 150 sugary calories for only a buck?
The soda pop conglomerates will adopt these guidelines in 75% of the schools before the beginning of the 2008-2009 school year. Full implementation is expected by the 2009-2010 school year.
My advice to school children is to enjoy their god-given right to gulp sodas while they still can, maybe common sense will prevail and this insane deal will never be implemented. I would drink a Coke to that!
But now in a draconian move, the nations's biggest soda companies including Coca-Cola and PepsiCo Inc have agreed to stop selling soda pops in elementary and middle schools. A middle school without soda pops is like a school without a playground.
This deal to fight childhood obesity was brokered by former President Bill Clinton. Slick Willy should concentrate on his own battle with middle age obesity and let children be children.
Gov. Mike Huckabee of Arkansas, who has also had battles with his weight, joined Clinton in announcing the deal. There's nothing worse than a reformed porker; these spoilsports should let us enjoy our sodas in peace.
Are principals going to put up "Soda Pop Free Zone" signs in their schools? I can imagine sugar dealers whispering to kids as they enter the school grounds: Wanna buy a delicious soda chock full of 150 sugary calories for only a buck?
The soda pop conglomerates will adopt these guidelines in 75% of the schools before the beginning of the 2008-2009 school year. Full implementation is expected by the 2009-2010 school year.
My advice to school children is to enjoy their god-given right to gulp sodas while they still can, maybe common sense will prevail and this insane deal will never be implemented. I would drink a Coke to that!
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