Obesity rates have doubled in children and tripled in adolescents over the last two decades, and physical inactivity and excessive calorie intake are the predominant causes of obesity;

Only 2% of children (2 to 19) eat a healthy diet consistent with the five main recommendations from the Food Guide Pyramid;

Food eaten at school contributes substantially to the students’ daily nutrient intake and also has a considerable influence in the development of their eating habits, growth patterns, and energy levels;

The eating habits of students are greatly influenced by the food available in the school environment, the items most commonly sold from school vending machines, school stores, and snack bars include low-nutrition foods and beverages, such as soda, sport drinks, imitation fruit juices, chips, candy, cookies, and snack cakes;