Junk Food Tax

Resolved Section(s):
RESOLVED: That MSMS seek legislation that would place a 25 percent tax on the net income from junk food sold in school vending machines and that the tax be earmarked for Medicaid with “junk food” defined as any food classified by the U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) as a food of minimal nutritional value; a food in which more than 30 percent of the calories are from fats or more than 10 percent from saturated fat; a food that contains at least 40 percent sugar or other sweetened by volume; a juice drink containing less than 50 percent fruit or vegetable juice; and be it furtherRESOLVED: That MSMS seek legislation that no more than 25 percent of the food offered in school vending machines may be classified as junk food defined as any food classified by the U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) as a food of minimal nutritional value; a food in which more than 30 percent of the calories are from fats or more than 10 percent from saturated fat; a food that contains at least 40 percent sugar or other sweetened by volume; a juice drink containing less than 50 percent fruit or vegetable juice; and be it further RESOLVED: That MSMS continue to work toward the total elimination of selling junk food as defined by the USDA in elementary, middle, and high schools in the state of Michigan.RATIONALE: The Committee supported eliminating junk food in schools, however, they were uncomfortable with a junk food tax. The amended resolution maintains the intent to offer healthy alternatives for school-age children.