World Literature

For decades, underfunded programs within schools have relied on bake sales to raise money. Traditionally, popular items like homemade cupcakes, cookies, and other sweets have generated heaps of revenue, funding school clubs, sports teams’ uniforms, and other academic essentials. However, The Wall Street Journal is reporting on new federal regulations, set to take effect this fall in many US states, that would so seriously limit bake sales as to render them ineffective, unprofitable, and pointless in most cases.

The regulations, which were passed into law as a part of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 that emerged from Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move!” initiative, compel schools to restrict food choices according to federal nutritional standards. However, these new rules do not just affect the lunch room. Food carts, vending machines, and bake sales must also meet strict nutritional requirements that essentially prohibit the majority of items typically sold through them. The new rules also restrict the frequency with which school programs can raise money by selling foodstuffs. In an effort to get ready for the law, some school systems have already banned the sale of Girl Scout cookies on campus.