As expected, the state Board of Education voted Thursday to give Georgia schools exemptions from new federal requirements limiting the sale of unhealthy foods during school hours.
Georgia schools can now sell unhealthy foods during as many as 30 fundraisers per school year. With each of those fundraisers lasting up to three days, schools could sell the forbidden items during 90 days — half of the 180-day school calendar.
Federal rules barring the sale of food that is high in fat, calories and sodium during the school day allow states to give exemptions for school fundraisers. Most states have not given exemptions, according to nutrition and health officials who have been following the issue. They also say no state has given as many exemptions as Georgia is offering.
School districts pushed back against the federal rules, arguing that fundraisers are a vital source of revenue. Nutritionists urged board members not to move away from the federal rules, arguing that childhood obesity is a scourge that leads to a range of health problems.
Board members said the rules were another example of federal overreach in public education. They voted 9-1 to give schools exemptions.
Check back with myajc.com later today for more coverage on this topic.
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