Junk Foods Bill Generally, the bill places nutritional content standards and restrictions on foods and beverages that are sold to students in public elementary and middle schools during a regular school day and is modeled on legislation that was passed in California last legislative session. The nutritional standards used in the bill comply with all relevant federal standards for food served in schools. The bill also creates a task force to provide recommendations on how to implement this policy.

• The bill is supported by the Children's Alliance, Washington State PTA, Joint Council of Stationary Engineers, Washington School Food Service Association, Washington Federation of Teachers, the Washington Public School Employees Association, and the Citizens' Campaign for Commercial-Free Schools.

Specifics include:

• Food that is sold in middle and elementary schools to students during breakfast and lunch must be sold as a full meal with exceptions for fruit, vegetables and other listed items.

• Individual food items that are sold to a student during regular school hours must meet certain nutritional content standards as set out in the bill.

• Prohibits the selling of beverages that are not water, milk, 100% fruit juice or fruit based drinks with no less than 50% fruit juice and no added sweeteners in elementary and middle schools during regular school hours. Vending machines that sell beverages not meeting this requirement must be inoperative until after regular school hours.

• Language is included to clarify that this section does not prohibit food or beverages from being brought in for holiday events, special celebrations, or class parties.

• A task force is created to determine the best methods for implementing this policy. The entities that make up the task force are listed in the bill and include representatives of school boards and administrators, teachers, parents, students, health care representatives and representatives of the soft drink and vending industries.

• The task force will consider alternative ways of raising funds to offset the projected loss of revenue from current sales of soda and competitive foods, suggest ways to increase the availability of fresh produce, create a list of recommended foods and beverages, recommend how schools can enhance students' dining experience, consider how to lessen commercial marketing in schools, and consider ways for schools to assess how well they promote nutrition and healthy living.

• The task force must submit their recommendations to the governor, legislature, and the state school directors association by Dec. 1, 2004.

• Implementation is delayed until the 2004-05 school year.