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Seattle schools easing vending junk food policy

The Seattle School Board may ease the district's policy on selling junk food in vending machines to help student groups raise money for activities.

The Seattle Times reports the policy originally approved in 2004 is more restrictive than current state and federal guidelines.

And students haven't shown much appetite for milk, juice and granola bars. In 2001, student body governments across the city made $214,000 in profits from vending machines. This year they've made $17,000. The money helps pay for student clubs, dances, yearbooks and uniforms.

The district had promised to make up revenue lost because of the junk food policy. But it says it can't afford to. District staff plans to present a revised policy in the spring that would take effect in the next school year.

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