S1218

TRENTON – Senator Shirley K. Turner welcomed final legislative approval today of her bill that would enforce sensible school nutrition standards and help New Jersey “win the battle of the bulge among our children.”

The measure, S-1218, would ban the sale or donation of soda, gum and most candy as well as food listing sugar as a first ingredient on school grounds before the end of the school day. It passed the Senate last February by a vote of 33-0 and likewise was approved by a vote of 64-11 in the Assembly today.

TRENTON – The Senate Education Committee approved legislation today sponsored by Senator Shirley K. Turner that would enact new nutritional standards for food sold in public schools, limiting the availability of high-calorie beverages and foods high in sugar or fat to students during school hours.

“Obesity is a health problem reaching epidemic proportions in America,” said Senator Turner, D Mercer. “With two thirds of Americans being overweight or obese, we need to better promote healthy eating habits, and there is no better time to begin then while we are young.”