Group says most states have poor school nutrition policies

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) -- A non-profit research group says nearly half of all states -- including Massachusetts -- received a failing grade in its school foods report card.

The Washington-based Center for Science in the Public Interest gave an F to 23 states and a D to eight others.

The group evaluated school policies regarding foods and beverages sold in campus vending machines, school stores and school fundraisers. The evaluation excluded school meal programs.

The nation's highest grade, an A-minus, was awarded to Kentucky, where school vending machines are filled with bottled water and dried fruit instead of soda and snack cakes.

Soda is likely to be less common in schools in coming years. Soft drink makers announced last month that they agreed to limit the types of beverages sold to schools in a deal brokered by the Alliance for a Healthier Generation.