I don't know, I believe that this sort of control won't really help the problem... or perhaps I feel that if kids want to get junk food they will get junk food. Besides, I believe putting too many limits on kids just encourages to break the rule; but that's just me.

Personally, I think it will lead to "closet" eating, and quite possibly, eating disorders for more than a few kids. My parents were pretty strict about what I was allowed to eat, when, and how much. When I got to college, I became bulimic, then anorexic.
I do believe that schools should provide healthy food, and get rid of a lot of the junk. But I think monitoring kids in the way you describe is counter-productive. How can we expect kids to grow and take responsibility for themselves and their well-being if we don't teach them how?

Hungry waif, you say the children should be allowed to make their own decisions...what age group are we discussing? Elementary? Middle school? High school? I do think there is a difference. And concerning Alyssa's expression of a need to teach children appropriate eating habits, would not this restriction itself be a form of teaching? Ideally, junk food wouldn't even be offered in schools. Children should be exposed to healthy foods to: 1) develop a habit of eating healthfully that is based not only on repetition but an acquired taste and 2) become well enough educated to make healthy eating choices when they are older. The elimination of junk food from schools becomes even more important when you realize that a lot of parents don't monitor what their children eat and may eat poorly themselves - these children are never given the opportunity to learn healthy habits

Hey Violet!
You make a lot of really good points, and I agree that school is the perfect place to teach kids about healthy habits. And there is a definite difference between elementary, middle, and high schools. But I also think we can teach them that an occasional treat is part of a healthy life. There are some schools that have banned sweets completely at school parties. I think there is some middle ground to be found there.

Violet, your spot on about there being a BIG different when your dealing with different age groups. Younger kids dont have a developed taste and it changes dramatically over the years. I remeber i'd order pizza no cheese, no sauce (silly kid i was i tell ya). I think middle school and high school age kids should be able to make their own decisions although suggested guidance is always nice, but not enforcement. Its cause in those years, kids are bound to develop all sorts of body changes and they should want to be healthy but not feel ashamed of the occasional treats. maybe this is more appropriate for younger children i guess. Alyssa, I cant believe the banned cupcakes from birthday parties, i mean, its you BIRTHDAY, even me, a health junkie eats pure processed junk on my birthday. plus, aren't they a good exercise in portion control?

I'm not sure how this program works but I think it would beneficial if parents could check mark which items were appropriate for their child to eat and then the child could ration it however they want. For instance, child X can have pizza once a week.