By Staff Writer, Leah Setaghian
When SB 965 Escutia and SB 12 Escutia were signed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger in September of 2005, they were designed to help students eat healthier since the national obesity and heart problem rates have risen to record highs. They set strict nutritional standards for all edible items sold on campus in Californian schools by the beginning of the 2008 school year, banning all sodas and snacks regarded as unhealthy.

In an effort to acclimate students to the new law, GUSD decided to begin the healthy change one year earlier than the deadline. So in May the student store no longer restocked unhealthy snacks after they sold out. Healthier snacks were stocked instead, such as baked chips and pretzels. Snacks also came in smaller portions to control the amount of calories and fat per serving.
What resulted was a 70 percent drop in sales, from an estimated $700 a day to under $200.
ASB adviser Nareg Keshishian expects an estimated profit loss of an additional 20 percent when all unhealthy snacks are removed next year. He said the soda vending machines alone account for approximately $40,000 annually.
However, Keshishian is not worried that the money will be a permanent problem.
“The number one aspect of consumerism is that people will always buy – if not Coke, Powerade. If not Powerade, juice,” Keshishian said. “There will always be something [to buy].”
Most students are unhappy with the drive for healthier food.
“I believe that we as students should have a choice on what we eat and don’t eat at school,” Nelson Contreras (’07) said. “It doesn’t affect anyone but me, so it should be my choice.”
It is yet to be seen if limiting food sales to healthier choices will have its desired effect of helping students maintain healthier