South Carolina lifts ban of junk food sales in K-12 schools

GREENVILLE, S.C. — Attention, schools across South Carolina, you may now resume selling junk food, but on a limited basis.

South Carolina's new Superintendent of Education, Molly Spearman, has lifted the complete ban on selling unhealthy snacks in schools that began last July under the "Smart Snacks" provision of the "Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010."

School districts across the state protested the total ban, calling it a harsh change that hampered the ability of volunteer groups to raise money for activities like parent-teacher associations, school bands or field trips.

In Greenville County, some school groups said the ban on junk food sales would cost thousands in support this year because students weren't purchasing the healthier replacement options.

The Greenville County School Board voted Tuesday to send a letter of thanks to Spearman for making the changes, citing their ability to make local decisions on what's best in each school.

"This flexibility allows our schools to determine, with their local communities, the appropriate balance between honoring our commitment to strong nutritional standards and permitting the occasional special fundraiser," the letter said.

The state will grant schools waivers from the Smart Snacks rules for up to 39 days the remainder of this school year, which will allow snacks that don't meet the Smart Snacks low-sodium, low-sugar, low-fat limits to be sold in schools on those days.

Schools must apply for the waivers, which will require the school principal and school district superintendent's signature.