Senator Judith G. Freedman (R-26) today voted against legislation to ban the sale of “unhealthy” beverages in school saying that such a ban would have no effect on children’s eating habits, but would erode the rights of parents and local school boards to act in their best interests.
           
“School districts don’t need the state to tell them what beverages they can and cannot sell to students. Banning soda from school vending machines won’t keep students from drinking it. Elementary and most middle school students in Connecticut do not have access to soda or vending machines. As these are the ages when food habits are developed, this bill has no impact on them. What makes more sense is directing school districts to develop wellness committees so that decisions about how best to promote healthy eating habits are made locally. That way, parents, students, school officials and school board members have a say,” said Senator Freedman, adding that she knows of school districts already working on school nutrition plans.

The legislation passed today by the Senate, and pending further action by the House, lists the types of beverages that could be sold in schools; soda, including diet soda, would be banned. Senator Freedman offered an amendment that would have left the critical decisions about nutrition up to the local boards of education and local parents.

“Passing my amendment would have been a first step toward empowering school districts, assisted by parents and local officials, to do just that,” said Senator Freedman. “Unfortunately, it was defeated.”