A recent poll by Insideschools.org found parents overwhelmingly against the bake sale restrictions imposed by the chancellor. Insideschools' readers were not alone in their disapproval.

The outcry by parents and kids against the Department of Education's ban on bake sales seems to have convinced the DOE to amend Chancellor's Regulation A-812. Under proposed changes, parent organizations would be able to hold one bake sale per month at any time of day, and sell "non-approved" food during that sale. To many, that means cupcakes. Sales are not allowed in the cafeteria.

For students, looking for revenue to support their clubs and teams, the regulation relaxes the time constraints. Kids could sell approved foods outside the cafeteria at any time of day and for as many days as they wish. Still no cupcakes there, in fact no homemade goodies at all. Students would be limited to selling only those serving-size, packaged snacks that are on an approved list. <!--more-->

The regulations governing the sale of foods and snacks is part of a larger Wellness Policy which includes ways to improve kids' physical fitness. Both the Wellness Policy and Chancellor's Regulation are open for public comment until Feb. 22.

The changes are up for approval at the Feb.24 meeting of the Panel for Educational Policy to beheld at MS 131, 100 Hester Street in Manhattan. You can read about the changes and send your input to Wellness@schools.nyc.gov. Call or email SchoolFoodPolicy@schools.nyc.gov or 212-374-0208 with questions.

Let us know what you think.  Do you approve of bringing back the bake sales?