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Generation XL:
The Battle Over School Vending Machines

Generation XL

They have become a lucrative source of revenue for school districts everywhere. But they've also become one of the most visible symbols of America's war against childhood obesity.

In the next installment of Generation XL, host Nick Haines takes a closer look at the big money being plowed into area school districts by large beverage and snack companies and the efforts being made by some schools to eliminate soda and high fat candy bars and chips from their vending machines.

Will kids choose healthy snacks and drinks if that's the only choice they have? Or will they just bring in those products they crave from the outside?

Last year, the Blue Valley School District in Kansas announced a $38,000 drop in revenue after they banned non-diet soft drinks in high school vending machines. District officials say they've been forced to find new ways to make up the balance.

Are some schools making it work? And are some schools going too far?

A few districts have actually banned cupcakes at school birthday celebrations and a few school wellness policies have put a stop to PTA fundraisers that involve selling candy bars and cookies.

An appropriate response to the childhood obesity problem? Or just a symbolic fix?

Host Nick Haines digs for answers on the next Generation XL: The Battle Over School Vending Machines. Thursday, May 29 at 8 p.m. on KCPT.

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