SALT LAKE CITY -- Junk food could be expelled from school vending machines.

The Utah State Board of Education has directed staff to begin gathering information on what is sold in schools. The goal: A rule that would eliminate food of "minimal nutritional value" by 2012.

Board member Janet Cannon said something must be done to help students become healthier.

While attending a national conference on the issue, she said she learned that today's students may not live as long as others because of obesity and poor nutrition. The Utah State Office of Education said 25 percent of students are overweight.

"It is critical that we do something to address that," Cannon said Wednesday.

Under the proposed rule, foods with high sugar and fat but with some nutritional value, such as chocolate bars with nuts, could still be sold.

The rule would not affect treats eaten in the classroom as a reward or during a celebration.

"Were not asking for the moon, but we want to make some real strides in the right direction," said Luann Elliott-Shipley, state director of child nutrition.

Board member Thomas Gregory said he would like to see fatty lunches reduced, too.

"I think getting rid of vending machines in schools is just dealing with 20 percent of the problem," he said.

The state education department now will talk to superintendents about the proposal. Districts typically have long-term contracts with food and soda vendors. There is no timetable for settling the issue.

"There are examples all across the country where stringent rules have been put in place. ... In many cases, kids applaud," said Warren Gaddis, assistant director of child nutrition.

This story appeared in The Daily Herald on page D4.