Should Canada ban junk food in schools?

U.S. states have tried it. England will do it countrywide. So is Canada next for banning junk food in schools?

The Globe and Mail recently examined the topic. After all, a number of parents are concerned about what their children are fed and how it affects their ability to concentrate in school.

The cause in Britain was helped by celebrity chef Jamie Oliver, who led the campaign to improve lunches. Sad to say, a celebrity influence would help. After seeing "Super Size Me," I was appalled as to what was happening in schools and their access to junk food.

Some success has come on the provincial level. The Ontario government has banned the sale of chocolate bars, other candy and pop in elementary-school vending machines. But the province still offers pizza lunches can still be offered.

British Columbia Premier Gordon Campbell has promised to ban junk food within four years from all public schools. The government is currently piloting a fruit-and-vegetable snack program at 10 elementary schools. In Nova Scotia, the government is consulting with parents, educators and students on how to move forward on serving healthier fare in schools.

One key difference for British Education Secretary Ruth Kelly is that the ban is school-wide. Most bans are much more strict on elementary school children and not as tough on high school kids.