I recently read a news item in an area paper that dealt with the controversy surrounding the type of snack foods and drinks available in schools. An administrator proudly pointed out the purchases that had been made with franchise fees and sales revenue; he then stated that the students “would just buy the candy somewhere else.” That rationalization is a variant of, “They’ll do it anyway,” which is tied for first place in the Lame Excuse Hall of Fame with, “Everybody else does it, too.”

The issue is not that kids buy candy; the issue is that schools condone and encourage the purchase.

In the real world, acceptance of these two alibis would negate traffic laws, “They’ll just speed somewhere else,” and all felony convictions, “Other people commit murder, arson and assorted mayhem, so I can, too.” In education, they contradict the mission statement and vision of every school district that dedicates itself to providing the safest possible environment for students of all ages.

Kansas Action for Children, a nonprofit organization that advocates for policies and programs that ensure and improve the physical, emotional and educational well-being of Kansas children, recently released a brochure titled “Vending Machines in Kansas Schools: Jeopardizing the Student Body.” The brochure states that a public health crisis, based on the overconsumption of soft drinks and unhealthy snacks, is evidenced by increases in childhood obesity, poor oral health and Type II diabetes. The organization feels that the school environment shapes children’s well-being and is uniquely positioned to positively influence the eating habits of children; healthy students are more likely to be ready to learn and better able to achieve their potential. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that 98 percent of high schools, 89 percent of middle schools and 43 percent of elementary schools have vending machines or a school store.

It’s obvious that the issue is complicated. The Topeka school district receives a yearly flat fee of $105,000 from Pepsi for exclusive rights, as well as 40 percent of vending machine sales. The Derby school district has a contract with Pepsi that will result in an additional $16 for each student per year. The districts will use the proceeds for capital improvements, teacher salaries and reduction in class size. The question is, of course, if the ends justify the means.

Many districts are trying compromise by providing only bottled water and 100 percent juice, stocking machines with sports drinks and no-calorie soft drinks, offering low-fat dairy products, fruits and vegetables; and providing food items with nutritional value and no refined sugars or trans fats. Some schools are turning off soda and vending machines during school hours.

Parents and educators know that funding opportunities are critical in most schools. And the development of good eating habits begins and ends at home. However, is it a double standard for students to leave a health class and head for a candy bar vending machine? The solutions are complex and varied, but they do not begin with, “They will get it somewhere else, anyway.”