Over the last 30 years America has placed less and less value on nutrition and good eating habits and the child obesity rate has more than doubled. Twenty percent of today’s society ages 6 to 17 are considered obese, and the health effects facing this staggering number of children continue to mount, including increasing risk for high cholesterol and diabetes. Many schools across the country are making an effort to change their nutritional environment by removing vending and soda machines and Arrowhead High School is joining the ranks.

According to school store advisor Mr. Melzer, Wisconsin legislatures drew up a guideline for schools statewide regarding the nutritional value of lunch programs. This suggestion, not to be confused with a law, requires all beverages available in school settings to be 100 calories or less per serving. Though the state provision sets a goal date of the 2008-09 school year, Arrowhead aims for these changes to be in place by the first of January.

Melzer explained that this “Healthy Choice” initiative, affecting only beverages at this point, will undergo a transition period before the complete conversion which will be instated right after winter break. Also, Melzer clarified all facets influenced by this community project including the Student Senate sponsored vending machines, the school store, and the Marriott lunch program at North Campus, South Campus, and the Mullett Ice Center.

“Although we will be eliminating all sugar sodas, beverages over 100 calories per serving, and drinks in quantities over 20 ounces, many good tasting choices will still be available,” said Melzer. “For example, Lipton Iced and Green Tea, Baby Gatorades, Aquafina Flavor Splash water, plain bottled water, Nutrisoda, Propel, over 12 flavors of Sobe Life Water, low-fat milk, and 100% juice are among many beverages students will see at lunch, the school store, and the vending machines.”

“We know that students may still bring these high-sugar and high-calorie beverages to school from home,” pointed out Student Senate advisor Mrs. Smith, “but if we provide Arrowhead students with healthy choices now, they will hopefully be in a position to make healthier choices later in their lives.”

“I personally like healthy food,” said sophomore Sam Steinhauer. “I like our school’s fruit and salad; I wouldn’t mind eating that at lunch from now on.” Many students see the campaign for healthier schools as a positive change, considering the frightening obesity rates in teens. On the other hand, some may feel the removal of these foods and drinks is unnecessary. “Did you know that in mental institutions they take away all substances containing caffeine in them?” explained student Abby Tindal, “Basically, taking away the soda machines is making school more like a mental institution.” Though a little extreme, some students perceive the limit on calories as a limit on student rights. However, when asked, the majority of the AHS students surveyed expressed their indifference about the issue due to the absence of such high calorie food and drinks in their diets already.