For years, Milton High School students have sold Hilliards Chocolate bars in the halls to raise money for clubs. But this fall, a long-standing federal rule is finally being enforced at the high school which bans most food sales during the school day.

On August 1st, 2012 the National Department of Public Health banned the selling of competitive foods and beverages. When referring to competitive foods and beverages, they mean any food or drink that is sold outside the cafeteria that does not meet the required national standards. Despite the 2012 ban, Milton High School has permitted the selling of non-compliant foods– specifically, Hilliards Chocolate -- during the school day for years.

However, the director of Food Services in Milton Public Schools, Natalia Perez, says that this year, chocolate bars can only be sold “30 minutes before or after the school day,” causing confusion and disappointment among clubs who raise money with the Hilliards Chocolate bars and the students of Milton High School who enjoy buying them.

The major reason Hilliards Chocolate is no longer allowed to be sold during school hours is because it does not meet the nutritional guidelines of a competitive food that can be sold during school time.

According to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health regulations, to meet the nutritional standards of a competitive food allowed to be sold at school, the food must either “contain 50% or more whole grains,” have “fruits, vegetables, dairy, or protein,” as the first ingredient, or have “¼ cup of fruit and/or vegetable.”

“This chocolate bar fundraiser is considered a competitive food. What’s classified as a competitive food are things that are not smart snack certified. All the options in the school cafeteria are considered smart snacks,” said Perez. These guidelines are not necessarily just Milton Public Schools guidelines but the USDA school nutritional standards, which the school is now enforcing.

This new rule will affect everyone who is a part of any clubs or activities at Milton High School, as many clubs and activities use chocolate sales – specifically during lunch-time – as one of their main sources of income.

Some students have concerns about the future of their clubs and activities. Olivia Wolfson, a member of the Junior Class Student Government says, “It’s incredibly disappointing that during junior year– the most important year of funding for our high school experience, we have lost our most consistent and easiest way to make money. It’s going to make raising money for things like prom and graduation a lot harder.”

Cory Wong, president of Milton High School’s Book Club and

member of Milton High’s Asian Culture Club and Debate Team says, “I think it's kind of sad because personally for me I really liked the chocolate and it will be hard to purchase now with it only being sold outside of school hours.”

This decision is a major transition for Milton High School’s clubs and activities that rely on the students’ love for Hilliards Chocolate to raise money for them. However, Milton High’s students are sure to find creative and equally enjoyable products that will replace the chocolate bars and bring in money for their clubs.