Bill promotes healthy food in schools

Schools nationwide are being encouraged to clean out their vending machines and serve children healthier food items. That trend is reflected in a state bill that promotes the sale of nutritious food to K-8-students before and during school hours.

The Senate Education Committee has approved the bill, which encourages the sale of grain products, fruit and fruit juices, water, milk, soy-products and vegetables.

Bill sponsor Sen. Larry Trail (D-Murfreesboro) said the choice of vendors would remain with local schools. However, the Tennessee Board of Education together with the state