When Bake Sales Are Outlawed, Only Outlaws Will Have Bake Sales

Somewhat Reasonable ^ | December 3, 2010 | Ben Boychuk

[seamus]

"Drop that brownie, young lady! You're in violation of Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010."

A bit of rhetorical hyperbole? Actually, that might not be too much of an exaggeration of what's in store under the new child nutrition law Congress passed Thursday. The bill, which gives the USDA power to regulate fat and sugar in schools, squeaked through the House thanks to heavy lobbying from sundry "public health" and child welfare groups. First Lady Michelle Obama's support probably didn't hurt, either.

The feds will also be empowered to regulate fundraisers where food is sold -- i.e., bake sales. And that has PTAs and varsity cheerleading squads across the country seriously freaking out. According to the Associated Press:

The legislation would apply to all foods sold in schools during regular class hours, including in the cafeteria line, vending machines and at fundraisers....

[Alberta's Child]

I agree with you, but at your age I think you are right on the cusp of that major transition. I grew up in a neighborhood with lots of kids across a pretty wide age range, and there was almost a clear line between the "outside" kids whose focus was on sports and outdoor mischief and the "inside" kids who were much more home-entertainment oriented.

There was a lot of overlap, of course. I attribute a lot of this to sheer economics . . . even in the computer/entertainment age it took a while for a lot of working-class families to be able to afford things that have now become standard in most homes. But in the area where I grew up the difference between kids who graduated high school in 1985 and those who graduated in 1990 was remarkable -- and I'm sure it's gotten much worse today.

[who knows what evil?]

You voted for Democrats, b*tches...sit down and shut up.

[CTyank]

Bring that to the bake sale in some towns and it would be cause for a lockdown, suspension for your child, and possibly criminal charges for you. Of course, we’d have to have counselors available after the fact just in case the kiddees were traumatized.

BTW - that’s a great cake - especially the camo frosting.

[texas booster]

This same basic legislation exists in nearly every state. Either a states’ Dept of Education or their Agriculture Dept already regulates school lunches and snacks.

Why federalize it?

Isn't it interesting that the same rush to push most other unpopular bills thru the House is applied to this??

[momtothree]

Wow! Absolutely amazing! Looks so real. Yum.