Lawmaker: Feds want ‘kale chips and quinoa’ at school bake sales

Rep. Ted Poe (R-Texas) is introducing a bill to block a regulation that he says would limit bake sales at schools.

Under the 2010 Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act, the Department of Agriculture has given states authority to require foods sold at fundraisers during school hours to meet nutritional standards. States also have the option of allowing school bake sales to offer typical “junk food” such as cookies and cupcakes.

Other public schools must comply with nutritional standards during the school day but are unrestricted at after-school events.

{mosads}Poe’s legislation, H.R. 5417, would prohibit any funds from being used to implement limits on school fundraisers. Poe said that the regulations, if allowed to proceed, would end bake sales as Americans know them.

“Turn off the ovens, the school bake sales are over. Bake sales in schools are as American as apple pie and the flag,” Poe said in a House floor speech. 

He warned that public school organizations would be forced to offer less appealing items at their bake sales if the regulations are put in place.

“No more cupcakes, oatmeal raisin cookies, popcorn or pizza can be sold for playground equipment or student trips,” Poe added. “The Washington regulators, many of whom have their kids go to private schools that are not covered by the new rules, say kale chips and quinoa are to replace snow cones and Valentine candy. Isn’t that lovely?”

The Texas Republican said bake sales shouldn’t be subject to any regulations.

“Local parents and educators should control bake sales, not the federal government,” Poe said.