Fewer public schools selling sugary drinks

July 9—Fewer elementary school students can buy soda and other sugar-sweetened drinks at school than could a few years ago, according to a new study.

Researchers found the number of elementary school students who could buy soda or other drinks not recommended by the IOM at school peaked at 47 percent in 2008 and dropped to 33 percent in 2011.

Researchers called the trend of fewer vending machines and snack bars selling the beverages "encouraging," with soda drinking being one nutrition issue public health experts have tied to childhood obesity.