To address the issue of obesity among school-aged children, many public schools nationwide have been making an effort to change the way kids eat. Some of the major urban school districts - such as those in Los Angeles and Philadelphia - have proposed the ban of soda sales in their schools. Starting in the fall of 2003, New York City's school system - the country's largest - will also stop selling hard candy, soda, and doughnuts from in-school vending machines.

"Schools have many pressures to raise money and have traditionally relied on foods like soft drinks and candy to raise money for schools that are strapped for funds," points out Julie Metos, MPH, RD, CD, a registered dietician and clinical nutrition manager at a children's medical center in Utah.

Still, some schools are deciding to cut out soft-drink sales to discourage the over-consumption of sugary beverages that are often chosen by kids instead of healthier options like milk and water.

Food Companies Announce a Change of Direction
Significant changes are brewing in the food and beverage industry, as well. On July 1, Kraft Foods announced that it will alter how it produces, packages, and promotes its products, using recommendations from a panel of international experts in behavior, intervention programs, lifestyle education, nutrition, obesity, physical activity, and public health.

Among Kraft's plans are to cut portion sizes in single-serve packages, stop all of its in-school marketing, provide some healthier choices, and offer nutrition labeling in all markets worldwide - even those that don't require it. Kraft - the maker of Nabisco cookies and crackers, Oreo cookies, Oscar Meyer hotdogs, Post cereal, and Velveeta cheese - aims to complete the development of new standards for its products and promotional practices by the end of 2003.

Other companies have also recently begun taking notice of the need for healthier options and consumer education. PepsiCo's Frito-Lay brand is planning to cut out trans fat from its Cheetos, Doritos, and Tostitos. The latest hot button in the battle to fight obesity, trans fat - found mostly in commercial baked goods and fried foods - can raise blood cholesterol and increase the risk of heart disease.

Like saturated fat in years past, trans fat is now under the media and public health microscope. On July 9, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that all food labels must list the exact amount of unhealthy trans fat - also called trans fatty acids.

Although companies have until 2006 to make the change, the expanded information will eventually help consumers make more healthy decisions about the foods they opt to eat. Companies like Frito-Lay are ahead of the curve, though, choosing to make alterations in their products' ingredients sooner rather than later.

Last year, McDonald's announced plans to change the oil used to cook its famous fries, cutting the trans fatty acids by half. The fast-food giant is also now offering healthier Happy Meal options in some parts of the world. In the United Kingdom, this means fresh fruit packs instead of fries. In Sweden, the options include baby carrots, milk, juice, or a low-calorie soft drink. Kids in Australia can choose a toasted cheese and tomato sandwich, raisins, and orange juice.