(October 22, 2002) — The Glendale Unified School District (GUSD) is considering putting restrictions on the unhealthy food that is served to students every day, following California’s newly enacted Senate Bill 19 which requires the ban of selling soda on elementary and middle school campuses beginning in the 2004-05 school year. However, the ban is dependent on the State coming up with means to compensate for lost revenue. School districts such as the L.A. Unified School District have already begun to put this law into effect. LAUSD has also decided to eliminate junk food and other high-fat and calorie drinks from its menus. According to Superintendent Jim Brown, the School Board’s main objectives this year are to come up with a plan on how to address this issue. They will decide which beverages and high sugar foods will be removed from campuses. ASB advisor Kristina Provost said she is concerned about the how the board’s decision will impact our school financially. “Vending machines provide a substantial amount of money for ASB, which serves all students at Clark,” said Provost. “We’re concerned that if we take out the junk food and sodas [and replace them with healthier options like crackers and dried fruit], that the sales will drop.” Principal Doug Dall said that last year Clark made over $13,000 from the vending machines, all of which helped support things such as the robotics team, athletics and even charities. ASB is currently looking for other healthier options to replace the sodas and junk food. According to Agnus Lally, Director of the GUSD’s Food Services, a dramatic increase in obesity among children and teens has encouraged schools to consider providing an alternative to un-wholesome options. However, Lally also said she doesn’t believe that taking out vending machines from schools is the best way to go about solving this problem. “I feel we need to look at a child’s lifestyle as a whole,” Lally said. “We should find a balance. They need to eat everything—but in moderation. Too much of anything is bad for you.” According to Brown, no specific time has been set for when the Board will consider making its decision. “If we can take certain actions sooner, we will,” Brown said. The Board will also be talking to students and a number of other people to get their suggestions and opinions on this issue.