New child nutrition law and its effects on Kansas schools

(WICHITA, Kan.) — Most of us won't argue with healthy - school lunches.  But what if that meant turning down items in a school bake sale?

President Obama signed a child nutrition law into effect Monday that could do just that.

In between the measuring and the mixing, teacher Bev Swisher says her Culinary Arts students learn math.  But their creations can also generate money for student programs.

"Every club needs money to support themselves," said Swisher.  Maybe her Wichita West High School students would whip up a batch for a bake sale.
     
Swisher explained "People will bring in tacos, pizza, nacho and cheese. There's a lot of things that they sell, all the time, constantly."

But a new law limits what foods could be sold during school hours.  

Much of the food for Wichita schools comes from its food production building in North Wichita.  The district's nutrition services manager says Wichita schools rank in the top 25% of healthy school menus nationwide.  But there's room for improvement.
     
"One is more fruits and vegetables.  And we're working on that," said Vicki Hoffman.  "More whole-grains, and we've been incorporating whole grains, and we will continue to do so."

The program also continues to struggle to find healthy food kids like; most would choose a snicker-doodle cookie over spinach.

But educators hope their taste buds change over time.  "We have to keep teaching and teaching nutrition," said Swisher.  "I think with time, we can do it.  It just takes time and education."  And a little less sugar in that cookie dough.

Supporters of the law say it aims to cut back on childhood obesity.  Opponents say the $4.5 billion dollar price tag is too high.