Smell Ya Later, Bake Sales?

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Cupcakes

So this is a thing: bake sales are getting banned, or seriously curtailed, across the country. It’s due to a federal law aimed at fighting childhood obesity, reports The Wall Street Journal.

I know for a lot of people, this is a huge bummer. Bake sales can bring in much-needed revenue to schools who are desperate for money to fund important projects and extra-curriculars. And sometimes it’s fun to get a treat just because. I like ’em, my kids like ’em, and I’m sure you all enjoy a dessert now and then, too.

But there is a part of me that’s glad about this. Not just for the kids who are struggling with their weight and can use all the support they can get (meaning, not being tempted with cupcakes like these tie-dye babies, drool) but also for children with diabetes and food allergies who can’t have these desserts and often feel left out with the class parties, celebrations, bake sales and food prizes that seem to be a part of most days.

When I was a kid, my school ran an annual week-long grocery store project. Older kids worked the registers, and the rest of the school brought in money and got to buy fresh fruit, cheaply. I looked forward to getting a pomegranate all year long. So maybe there’s still a way to make food sales fun and healthy and appealing to kids, with a bit of effort and coordination with local farmers.

How do you feel about this new law? Pro? Con? Torn? Does your school need their bake sales to make enough to fund important activities?

One thought on “Smell Ya Later, Bake Sales?”

  1. I would love to see bake sales disappear. Neither of my kids struggle with weight, have food allergies or other conditions that prevent them from eating the bake sale “goodies.” I’m just tired of having to bring one more thing into school. I can’t remember the schools needing the parents as much as they do now. Let’s get some funding for the enrichment activities for kids.

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