Public schools
to restrict soda
sales starting Dec. 1
A new rule requires vending
machines to devote 80%of
space to healthier drinks
Starting Dec. 1, 80 percent of the drinks offered to students in vending machines at Hawaii's public schools will be healthy options such as water, milk and fruit juice.
"We have an obligation to our students to help ensure that they make healthy choices," Board of Education member Shannon Ajifu said yesterday. "I really believe that youngsters now are more sophisticated and that water is an 'in' thing, so they will choose water if the price is appropriate."
Concerned over high rates of obesity, the board voted in April to restrict drink sales at public schools to "primarily healthy beverages as deemed appropriate by the Department of Education." The board originally considered banning soda sales in favor of only healthy drinks.
At a committee meeting yesterday, the department announced plans to solicit bids for a new master vending machine contract that will restrict soda sales to 20 percent of the slots in any given machine. The proposed start date is Dec. 1.
The Hawaii State Student Council favors increasing healthy options in soda machines. Health officials, including the American Academy of Pediatrics' Hawaii chapter, supported a total ban on soda sales on campuses.
But some principals expressed concern about the potential loss of revenue, since profits from drink sales help fund student activities. The department estimates that vending machines generate at least $725,000 a year in commissions for student programs.
Vendors will be required to report quarterly information on sales and commissions from the machines to help the department monitor the impact of the new policy.
"If it's a problem, we can always correct and adjust the master contract," said Assistant Superintendent Rae Loui.
Principal Randal Tanaka, who heads Kalakaua Middle School in Kalihi, said he welcomes the new policy. His school has one vending machine accessible to students, but it is only open after school hours and includes water as an option.
"I'm concerned about the sugar intake of kids in middle school," he said. "We need healthy beverages."
