Senate approves school nutrition bill

Senate approves school nutrition bill

The Massachusetts Senate has approved a bill designed to ban the sale of high-calorie sodas and salty and sugary snacks in elementary and high schools.

The House passed a similar bill in January.

The Senate bill would require state health officials to develop nutritional standards for all food sold in public schools, including snacks and sodas sold in vending machines.

The bill would also require schools to sell fresh fruits and vegetables, ban deep fried foods and require students be taught about nutrition and exercise.

Supporters say the bill will fight childhood obesity. Critics say schools have made important strides in serving healthier foods and don’t need more state-mandated regulations.

Gov. Deval Patrick has indicated support for the bills.