In defense of Chocolate Milk.

...The county (click title to entry - thank you)  is apparently bucking a trend in school nutrition, since some say the sugar content in flavored milk contributes to childhood obesity. A serving of flavored milk can have as many as 27 grams of sugar - the same as eight ounces of Coca-Cola.

Some school districts have prohibited flavored milk, and Florida considered a statewide ban in schools.

Risse, the Anne Arundel County schools supervisor of food and nutrition services, said county schools use only a fat-free version of flavored milk that has 11 grams of sugar per serving....

It doesn't have EMPTY calories, either.

While it is completely understandable how many parents may believe 'milk flavorings' are benign, now they know they aren't.  Some parents may be relieved this is no longer an option for their child when in fact it is banned at home.

There are all kinds of dietary needs by children.  Unfortunately, when some children are excluded from choices either by parents or school authorities while others are not, there can be problems with hazing / bullying and all kinds of self esteem issues.

Dietary choices for children should be clear and somewhat a unilateral decision.  I applaud parents who seek good nutrition information for their children and children able to stand up for themselves in their own choices.  But, for school administrators that see a sincere problem, both in basic health, behavioral issues related to poor diet and good social conduct when diversity in diet is an issue, then limiting choices is a good avenue. 

I am confident the nation will divide on this issue, but, when it comes to servingt soda to children it should be considered an extremely poor choice.   Artifical colors and flavoring sometimes complicates child behavior, so whether in soda or milk products the choices should be well considered.

Isn't nutrition and choices taught in health classes at all grades anymore?