School Food: Vending and Nonnutritious Foods

Vending companies and soft-drink manufacturers offer educational perks and money for exclusive rights to sell drinks. This money is often used by schools to fund clubs, activities, and even core curricula. Some contracts give schools the money up front, based on projected sales in the lunchrooms, student lounges, and hallways, and have asked for it back if projections are not reached, creating a situation in which children and parents actively promote the contracted-for products outside of school. School districts have become “Pizza Hut districts” or “Coke districts,” based on contracts with school boards. These competing foods frequently replace meals with nutritional value. Furthermore, negotiating to get the best contracts can divert the time and attention of parents and administrators from educational goals.