New rules requiring healthier foods in public schools took effect July 1 as a result of the Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act passed 2010. The new rules set nutrition standards for all food and drinks sold during the school day, including vending machine snacks and bake-sale goodies.

The new standards dictate the amount of fat and sugar food sold on school grounds can contain. The rules also extend to snacks sold in fundraisers.

While childhood obesity is an important issue, limiting fundraisers is not the answer. Fundraisers raise a significant amount of money for worthwhile education programs. Limiting this source of revenue for schools and school-related events is not an effective solution to the obesity epidemic.

These rules are not only affecting students, but regular U.S. citizens as well. Several states have already taken initiatives to raise taxes on sugary drinks and limit soda sizes.

It is understandable that the government would want such regulations in place; however, it seems like an infringement on consumers’ right to choose.