Kokua Line
Kokua Line
Question: Why are soda machines allowed to be installed in elementary schools? Schools set their
own vending limitsWe, as parents and grandparents, try so hard to provide healthy food for our children, so why do the schools tempt the children with sodas sold in front of the classrooms?
No doubt it's a good money-making project, but why do we sacrifice our children's health for that? Who gave permission for these machines to be installed?
Answer: This is an issue you should take up with the principal of your child's school, since each school can choose to have such vending machines on its campus or not.
Currently, 43 public schools statewide have such vending machines, with several more negotiating contracts with vendors as of the beginning of March, said Dennis Kajikawa, the Department of Education's procurement and distribution specialist.
The vending machines are a way for schools to raise funds for various school activities, including clubs, uniforms and yearbooks.
The Board of Education's policy No. 6810, "Competitive Food Sales," allows the public schools to sell beverages through vending machines.
Generally, food sold at all elementary and secondary schools must be related to the School Breakfast Program, the School Lunch Program or as "approved cafeteria supplementary food items."
Schools are not allowed to sell other foods during the school day "except certain beverages through vending machines," according to the BOE policy. However, the beverages cannot be sold during breakfast and lunch hours, Kajikawa said.
Some schools elect not to participate in the beverage vending machine program, he said.
Principals are advised to make the decision after consulting with various groups -- parents, students, teachers, the community, etc., Kajikawa said.
They also are advised to consult with those groups on what items are to be sold.
In elementary schools, Kajikawa said he's generally found that the vending machines are located in the teachers' lounge. He also noted that sodas are not necessarily being sold.
One school, for example, decided to sell only water and natural fruit juices, he said.
"Every school is different and every principal has a different set of criteria, Kajikawa said.
Each school is paid a commission on sales of the beverages.
It's up to the principal, in consultation with the various school groups, to decide how the extra income is spent, Kajikawa said.
Mahalo
I had written a sizable check to someone, but she called to say she had lost the check. To our relief, Mary Dolan of Kailua mailed us the check, after she found it at Kahala Mall. Mary Dolan, whoever you are, thank you for relieving us of the worry of someone trying to cash the check and for caring enough to send it back. -- Patsy
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