South Carolina Moves to Expand School Food Restrictions

February 6th, 2010

Columbia, S.C., February 6, 2010 -- A South Carolina Senate Education Committee panel has tentatively approved a bill that would restrict the types of food and beverages students "in all grade levels" can purchase while on campus during school hours. The bill prohibits the sale of "high-fat, high-sugar foods and beverages" in cafeterias and from vending machines.

The South Carolina House of Representatives approved the bill last year -- but only after agreeing to permit the sale of otherwise prohibited consumables at school-approved fundraising events.

The state already has in place prohibitions regarding food and beverages sold from vending machines located at elementary schools.