School bake sales affected by nutrition guidelines

BOSTON (WHDH) -- School bake sales are being affected by new state nutrition guidelines.

Beginning in August, the next school year, bake sales will be banned from 30 minutes before school starts until 30 minutes after classes end.

This is a compromise for those who were expecting a complete ban. Officials say there are no plans to do that.

The rules also require healthier snack options to be offered in school vending machines.

"We know schools aren’t the only answer; we have to think collectively about what we can do to increase opportunities for exercise and physical activity,” Department of Health Medical Director Lauren Smith said. “But here’s one thing that the legislature asked us to do. We looked at the evidence to come up with the guidelines and that’s what we did."

If individual schools allow them, bake sales can happen outside of the restricted hours.