A national survey of 1,420 vending machines in 251 U.S. schools in 24 states (i.e. elementary, junior high and high school)–found that 73 percent of drinks offered were soda pop and sugary juices. Only 5% were milk, and only 12% were water.

Read the full report here.

Why does soda hurt kids? In a 4000 kid study published in an AMA journal, soda consumption among children and adolescents rose 41% between 1989-1991 and 1994-1995, mostly displacing milk and juice, the leading sources of many vitamins and minerals in the American diet. Among kids ages 2 to 5, 75% drank milk, 53% drank juice, and
34% drank soda. In those ages 12 to 17, 63% of boys and 49% of girls drank milk, 34% drank juice, 68% of boys and 63% of girls drank soda.
Nearly all high schools (98%) and junior/middle schools (74%) have vending machines.

Schools can make short-term profits selling these “products” (they’re not really food), but even schools that have stopped selling them are not losing money–in fact, some are making MORE money. Student stores, water-company contracts, and other sources of funding are taking the place of soda-contracts. CSPI has a free tool-kit for schools that want to improve their nutritional quality.

For example, Velva, North Dakota has a successful program. You can too–check out the free tool-kit, or get expert advice as an adult.