Whole Milk, Sports Drinks on Chopping Block for CPS Schools

Whole milk and sports drinks could get the ax this week if the Chicago Board of Education approves a plan to ban the sale of certain foods during school hours.

The “Healthy Snack and Beverage” proposal is up for the board’s consideration Wednesday, The Huffington Post reports.

If passed, whole milk would disappear in favor of low fat or skim milk, and cheese would have a reduced fat and low sodium requirement. Carbonated water would be banned altogether.

The plan has an exception for student athletes consuming sports drinks during games, the Sun Times reports.

“Chicago Public Schools is focusing on academics,” CPS spokeswoman Robyn Ziegler told the Sun Times, “but that doesn’t mean we can’t also instill healthy eating habits in students when their health can be directly related to their ability to learn in the classroom.’’

Candy sales for school fundraisers would be restricted to field trips and after school hours. Each school would have a “wellness team” to find alternatives that meet calorie and fat guidelines in the plan.

The ban is part of a “Healthy CPS” initiative, made possible by a $4.4 million grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, The Huffington Post reports.

In January, more than 3,200 CPS cafeteria workers protested the push toward frozen, but healthier food, saying students do not like or eat it because of a bland taste.

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