[Villages PL]

This opinion article was in yesterday's paper (June 26, 20012) and I found it to be a little strange. It seems the writer was more interested in using emotionally charged phrases like "lunchbox police" and "nanny state" rather than clarifying the issue. (It left questions in my mind.)

There's a House bill pending (503) that will free child-care workers from having to examine home-packed lunchboxes. Yet the article states that if a child-care worker notices a youngster is hungry or under-nourished, it's okay to step in. For example, a conference with the parent would be in order if a kid gets "daily Snickers-and-Coke" from home.

Therefore, it seems they will still be policing lunchboxes. However, instead of using USDA standards, as they do now, they will use a "Coke and Snickers" standard, as the writer suggests. It makes you wonder where they will draw the line. Which of the following lunches will be acceptable, based on the new "Coke and Snickers" police standard.

1) A glazed donut and a sugary fruit-drink

2) A jelly sandwich on white bread with a highly sweetened drink.

3) A twinkie and fruit juice

4) Cookies and a highly sweetened chocolate milk drink

5) A granola bar and a Coke