But that doesn’t mean today’s adults are sitting by idly. As the new school year begins, it’s worth reminding that Montgomery County Public Schools are among many communities, counties and school systems that have implemented healthy food-choice policies that decrease the access children have for those “sometimes foods,” such as chips and candy, when they are out of their parents’ reach.

A nationwide survey of vending machines in middle and high schools found that 75 percent of drinks and 85 percent of snacks sold were of poor nutritional value, consisting of sugary drinks, desserts and fried chips.

As adults, we know the importance of moderation, that chips and soda occasionally are okay. But, after being in class or sports practice or even playground activities, children are hungry and will eat whatever is available. Why not make healthier snacks an option?

In 2006, the County of San Diego adopted the “Healthy Choice Options in Vending Machines on County Property” to foster healthy eating habits among employees in all county facilities. This policy established monitoring procedures for county vending machines that serve schools and county facilities: 100 percent of food and 50 percent of beverages sold in the machines must adhere to healthy-choice nutrition standards.

In summer 2006, Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) accepted its own Local School Wellness Policy, based on a federal mandate that all school districts participating in the USDA School Foods Program must develop and implement a wellness policy. This policy adheres to the same nutritional standards as San Diego County, but is extended to all food available on MCPS property, meaning vending, concessions and store sales in schools during the educational day.

So, the next question is: Where do we start in taking an active role in promoting healthy choices away from the home?

First, find your Local School Wellness Policy. All of the standards you see in schools and communities are based on those nutritional standards.

Second, find out who is responsible at your school for the implementation of these   policies.  Parents are often the voice of vision in schools, so link up with others and the PTA to investigate if (and how) this policy is being realized in your neighborhood school.

Third, start a discussion with your co-workers. Providing healthy choices doesn’t always mean those are the only choices in your office vending machines. But the option should be there. The more people who care about their dietary choices while at home, work, school or community centers, the more likely the standard of food options will start to change.

5 Things to Know About Vending Machine Snacks
Healthy choices are now mandated in Montgomery County Public Schools and workplace vending machines, but look a little closer at your options:

Read the Label—The “healthiest” snacks contain either 3 grams or less of total fat per serving (nuts and seeds excluded) or 30 grams or less of total carbohydrates.

Read the Label Closer—“Healthier” snacks contain no more than 5 grams of total fat per serving

Contrary to Popular Belief—Contrary to popular belief, sports drinks are not a healthier option than soft drinks, as they contain just as much if not more sugar due to the multiple serving sizes per bottle.  If you need flavor, go for the vitamin waters, but water is always the best option.

Watch the Microwave Popcorn—Popcorn is very nutritious by itself, but make sure you check the fat and sodium contents.

Keep a Healthy Snack Drawer at Work—You know what you like, and if you keep healthy options, like pretzels, animal crackers, dried fruit and nuts, and even lean beef jerky around the office, what’s the need of even going to the vending machine?

Autumn Saxton-Ross, Health and Wellness coordinator for the Montgomery County Recreation Department, is available to County schools, groups and citizens for lessons, programs, lectures and advice on topics of health. She can be reached at 240-777-6826.