Have you noticed that the soda vending machines are slowly disappearing? As a matter of fact, more waters and vitamin drinks are appearing in their place.

There is a new law called the Wellness Policy, that our district supports, that’s purpose is to get rid of soda, candy, chips, and anything else that is not healthy. The Wellness Policy is the nutrition guideline that includes non-carbonated drinks, really low calories, and no candy. This policy is taking effect now!

This law is also the district policy. This decision was made to move to a healthy life and avoid suffering from obesity. Soda machines are staying on campus, but during school hours they will not be turned until half an hour after school. By 2009, there will be no soda on campus.

“Sales are not going to be the same,” said Ms. Chaidez, “but the ASB is going to get more creative and sell good healthy food.” Chaidez feels it’s a good change because students will grow healthier, but admits that it will deeply affect fundraising. This program is year round even during summer school. All food standards become effective on July 1, 2007. The Cafeteria and the Hut need to follow the Wellness Policy. The Ice Cream that was for sale in the Finance Office is no longer going to be sold. “The club advisors have not complained,” said Chaidez, “they just come up to me and tell me what can I sell now?”

Due to this law, the sponsorships are going to be affected too. “They will need to change the logo and not use soda as an advertisement. We are trying to move away from soda to sport drinks for many reasons” said Ms. Chaidez. “Since we are getting a new scoreboard and its sponsor is 7UP we are going to change it to a sport drink to not advertise soda anymore.” The contract we have with 7UP will be done in about a month, but the sport drinks are going to be sold on campus at all times.

The senior class is going to be affected by this new law, instead of selling candies they are now going to sell Snack Packs during school hours, however they could sell candy half an hour after school.

Not only does the law affect seniors, but the hut and cafeteria as well. It is apparent because there are fewer customers and sales are going down. But on a positive note, students are eating healthier. Bertha Maldonado, the cafeteria manager and a supporter of this law, said, “There’s a lot of obesity in the schools.” However, she agrees sales will not be the same without candy, chips or soda. As to whether or not sales will go down Maldonado said, “I think it’s too early because a business can go up really quick and go down very fast”.

Even though the policy will eliminate soda and candy by the end of next school year, the school has already started replacing the drink machines. Vitamin water and Nesquik have replaced soda machines in the cafeteria. Like it or not, healthier choices are here to stay.