Restricting vending machine use or availability in schools is
crucial in the nation's efforts to drive down soda-related
obesity, according to a study published this month in the
Journal of the American Dietetic Association. The new study,
which examined the consumption habits of around 1,500 students
in 10 different middle schools, revealed that 71 percent of the
children purchased sugar-sweetened beverages from school vending
machines. And although schools are not the only place where
children have access to drinks such as soda, fruit drinks and
iced tea, because of their "broad reach" , it is important to
focus on schools as a primary and practical means for reducing
added sugar intake, said the researchers. The new report adds to
the growing evidence condemning the use of vending machines in
schools, or the low-nutrient content of the products available
in these. Indeed, the mounting criticism has resulted in a
growing number of state legislatures considering bills that
would limit soft drink availability