Department of Education outlaws bake sales

October 5, 4:39 PMNY Education ExaminerLorri Giovinco-Harte

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Many a New York City student has baked his or her way to participation on a school trip or the purchase of new sports equipment. The bake sale is a time-honored tradition by which students raise money for clubs, teams, and grade specific trips and projects. Now, it seems that the tradition has come to an end.

Citing obesity among school children, the Department of Education has banned bake sales as a part of their new "wellness" policy. Under the new regulations, the student selling of baked goods is prohibited until after 6:00 p.m. on school days. Parent groups, however, are permitted to sell their wares once a month, after lunch hours are over.

The ban comes at a tough time for student groups who are dealing with severe budget cuts to after-school programs. Bakes sales have proven to be highly profitable for young people as the start-up costs are minimal. 

New York Times reporter, Jennifer Medina, writes that advisors are struggling to come up with alternative products for children to sell. It can be difficult, however, to find items which do not cost a great deal of money up-front.

Medina reports that the Department of Education has suggested that student groups try "walk-a-thons and similar activities as a way of raising money and doing something active."

Read more at The New York Times.