Soda ban angers parents at Colo. school

Feb. 15—Parents of students who attend Weld Country (Colo.)District 6 elementary and middle schools have expressed concerns over a recent notice advising them not to allow their children to bring sodas to school.

In a recent newsletter, parents were told that as, per a policy passed by the school board last October, “soda is no longer allowed in the cafeterias at the elementary and middle school levels.”

The notice went on to say, “Regardless of where the soda is purchased and by whom, it should not enter the cafeteria.” and that the policy is intended to educate the students about what beverages are considered healthy and “encourage them” to exchange their sodas for other choices such as milk or juice.

Jeremy West, Nutrition Services director for the district, said part of the reason for the soda free zones was because soda contains a high amount of sugar and has little nutritional value. West said, based on that, the committee felt soda consumption was not conducive to student achievement and the no soda policy was also created to help fight childhood obesity.