While the snacks available in school vending machines may be full of flavor, they are also high in fat and calories. The regulation of competitive eating in schools around the world continues to be a highly controversial debate. With an endless amount of information to consider, solutions for implementing healthier foods in school vending machines and lunch lines vary greatly. Analyzing numerous studies around the world, discussing the issue from multiple perspectives, and examining the demographics of those affected by food demonstrate the importance of school nutrition. By providing several studies with different ways to introduce healthier foods into schools, one can see the issue with a broader scope. To adequately discuss the impact of unhealthy snacks provided in schools, it is necessary to look at what supporters and opponents argue. By listening to both perspectives, you can address the issue more clearly and without prejudice. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is responsible for updating the nutritional standards of all foods offered in schools. With this responsibility on the agency's shoulders, Americans want their opinions to be heard by those who decide how to address school nutrition. When the USDA proposed a plan to update nutritional requirements for vending machine items and school meals, Americans stepped in and responded dramatically. Accepting feedback from the American people, the USDA received 250,000 comments regarding their proposal to update nutrition standards. Among the 250,000 comments submitted to the USDA, some said that high school students should not be allowed access to caffeinated or sugary drinks on campus, suggesting that schools will abandon vending machines altogether (Shah). The... middle of the paper......HL Plus with full text. Network. April 5, 2014. Kocken, Paul L., et al. “Promoting the purchase of low-calorie foods from school vending machines: a cluster randomized controlled trial.” Journal of School Health 82.3 (2012): 115-22. SPORTDiscus with full text. Network. April 5, 2014. Pasch, Keryn E., et al. “School Vending Machines Are Loaded with Calories and Fat: An Assessment of 106 Middle and High Schools.” Journal of School Health 81.4 (2011): 212-18. SPORTDiscus with full text. Network. April 5, 2014. Shah, Nirvi. "USDA is reviewing comments on school vending and a la carte items; USDA is reviewing responses to pending regulations." Education Week (2013): Academic OneFile. Network. April 5, 2014.Thompson, Olivia M., et al., “School Vending Machine Purchasing Behavior: Results from the 2005 Youth Styles Survey.” Journal of School Health 80.5 (2010): 225-32. EBSCOMegaFILE. Network. April 5. 2014.