Tables turned, lawmakers don’t enjoy cafeteria healthy food standards

MONTPELIER, Vt. — New healthy food standards being imposed on the cafeteria at the Vermont Statehouse discourage lawmakers from enjoying their Ben & Jerry’s.

Some are balking at rules that say at least 50 percent of snacks should have no more than 200 calories per item and sodas should be limited to 12 ounces.

Theoretically, some Ben & Jerry’s treats could remain because of the 50 percent rule. But on Friday, the 280-calorie Ben & Jerry’s Peace Pops were not to be found in the cafeteria.

Capitol Police Officer Dale Manning said Friday he learned of the rules when he went to the cafeteria for some whole milk and manager Ray Wood told him of the new rule: “If milk is offered, offer only 2%, 1% and non-fat milk dairy-type products.”

Manning, 52, said it angers him that the state would try to tell him what’s bad for him.

“I’m old enough to make the decision,” he said.

Several lawmakers said they weren’t much happier with the rules, which took effect this week.

“What a crock,” said Rep. Brian Savage, R-Swanton and the assistant House minority leader. “We’re all adults in this building. We know what’s good for us.”

The rules, produced by the state Health Department and Agencies of Administration and Agriculture, apply to state employee cafeterias. While the Statehouse cafeteria appears to be among them, Rep. Sarah Copeland-Hanzas, D-Bradford and the House majority leader, said lawmakers should be exempt.

“I don’t consider myself an employee,” Copeland-Hanzas said, but she added that as an employer of state workers, she might like to see improved diets as part of an effort to keep health costs down.

Others noted the cafeteria already offers an extensive salad bar and other healthy offerings, arguing that it’s fine as is.