This Issue:

Table of Contents

Cover Story

Grades 4-6

Debate

Goodbye, brownies, cupcakes and cookies. That's what students in New York City are saying. The city's Department of Education has banned bake sales during school. About 40% of the city's public-school kids are overweight. Officials hope that the new regulations will help kids eat healthier.

Some people disagree with the ban. They say students hold the sales to raise money for team uniforms, trips and other events. California has also forbidden the sale of goodies. And other states may soon follow. Are tasty treats old-school?

NO!

Ally Slocum, 10, Westborough, Massachusetts Schools should not ban bake sales. They aren't what's making kids overweight. It's large portion sizes and lack of exercise that contribute to weight gain. If schools want kids to be healthy, they should install fitness centers, have more time for recess and offer school lunches that are nutritious. Bake sales are a good way to earn money. They teach kids about setting goals and working together. And they are fun. If schools are worried about how many sweets kids eat, they should limit the amount that kids can buy.

YES!

Madeleine Ochoa, 9, Los Angeles, California Bake sales should be banned from schools. Selling sweets to kids who are overweight and who have bad eating habits is not a smart idea. Plus, who knows under what conditions the sweets were baked? These conditions may not be clean. Also, some of my friends have food allergies. Someone with a severe peanut allergy could unknowingly bite into a brownie that has peanuts. There are many other ways to raise funds, including car washes, jog-a-thons and talent shows. I would ban bake sales from schools.

Next: Goodbye, Books?