New rules limiting the marketing of unhealthy foods in school cafeterias will be proposed by the White House and the Agriculture Department this week, Fox News reports.
The rules will phase out the marketing of sugary drinks and junk foods around campuses during school days and ensure that other promotions in school will be in line with health standards that already apply to school foods.
According to the report, the new rules would mean the removal of advertisements of Coca-Cola at, for example, a high school football or basketball game. Diet Coke or Dasani Water may still be advertised, however. Cups, posters and menu boards that are not in line with the health standards will also be phased out.
As of late, 90 percent of marketing in schools has been focused on beverages, with many soda companies already starting to transition their sales and advertising in schools from sugary sodas and sports drinks to their own healthier products.
The proposed rules are a part of first lady Michelle Obama's Let's Move initiative aimed at curbing child obesity. The campaign will be celebrating its fourth anniversary this week.
The rules will be announced by the first lady herself along with Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack during a White House event.
"When parents are working hard at home, they need to be rest assured that those efforts aren't being undone when kids are out of their control as school," Sam Kass, White House senior nutrition policy adviser, said prior to the actual announcement.
The new rules are set in place to allow more students access to free lunches and ensure that schools have wellness policies in place.
