The lead paragraph from The Associated Press health beat story likely had some grownups scratching their heads.
"Laws strictly curbing school sales of junk food and sweetened drinks may play a role in slowing childhood obesity, according to a study that seems to offer the first evidence such efforts could pay off," the article began.
Adults over a certain age may have wondered why fatty snacks and sugary drinks are being peddled in schools. The study was not refering to concession-stand sales, by the way.
The AP report answered that question: Schools need the money from the snack and soft-drink industry to help make ends meet.
The study cited by the wire service noted some states have relatively strong laws governing food and drink being vended in public schools outside of mealtime. This means lawmakers in other states that want to keep students from having acess to unhealthy snacks and beverages have statutes on which to model their own.
But those legislators also should consider ways to help cash-strapped schools fill the fiscal void that could result from such laws. Here in Ohio, reductions in state funding for schools already have put districts on a diet.
