Coca-Cola Co., in partnership with several education groups, released guidelines on November 17, 2003, for the marketing and sale of the company's drinks in schools. Aiming to address the nation's concerns about the current obesity 'epidemic' and its link to soft drinks, the company developed and distributed the guidelines.

Some of the guidelines include:

• Carbonated drinks will not be made available in elementary schools during the school day.
• A range of juices, waters and other drinks will be available wherever sodas are sold.
• School officials will get to choose the beverages available to students.
• Vending-machine timing devices will be offered so schools can control when products are sold.

Organizations involved in the development of the guidelines include the National Association of Secondary School Principals, the National School Boards Association, the American Association of School Administrators and the National Association of Black School Educators.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, almost 99 percent of high schools and nearly 75 percent of middle schools have vending machines or snack shops. Is your child’s school following these guidelines?