The fight against childhood obesity has naturally flowed into the lunchrooms of schools across America. The Tooele County School District is no different, keeping up on the latest research on nutritional health risks and hazards, even creating a Nutritional Vending Policy to regulate items served in vending machines.

So, the school district recognizes the need for wholesome foods for students. And yes, they recognize that research has proven healthy diets contribute to success. Now the real question is: Why are high school students still practically inhaling massive amounts of sugar and lard from not only the infamous vending machines, but also the fry line, the pizza line, and the a la carte line?

The Nutritional Vending Policy states: "Tooele School District recognizes that students need adequate, nourishing food in order to grow, learn, and maintain good health. The school board also recognizes that significant research proves that there is a direct positive correlation between adequate nutrition and physical and academic success."

Point taken. America is overweight -- and Tooele High School is no exception to the rule. Everyday I hear many complain about unwanted love handles only to see them haul off to the lunchroom as soon as the bell rings and begin filling their round, chipmunk-shaped cheeks with an assortment of corn dogs and French fries, with a Coke to wash the mix down.

The vending machines, located in the lunchroom most times, provide students with an array of choices, few of which are actually healthy. Of course, there are always exceptions to the rules like the bottled water and a couple of granola bars, but those are only located on the bottom two shelves of a few machines. The rest display tantalizing treats ranging from 20 different flavors of chips to fresh Hostess cupcakes and Twinkies brought in that morning.

Vending machines seem to take most of the hit for the rising obesity rates, but in my opinion there are others to blame. Culprits like the ever-popular line that serves up deep-fried favorites, or the a la carte line with its limitless supply of sugary candies, drinks and donuts all help THS students to pack on the pounds.

Perhaps not everything will go or even can go. If some of these options were taken out of schools, however, students would have to hike to the nearest convenience store, at least forcing them to mix in a little exercise with the frantic feasting.

Kelci Sagers is a senior at Tooele High School.