The innovation and strong growth in certified organics, healthy kid-sized drinks and snacks, personal care, gluten and pre-and pro-biotics is fueling the grow according to The Natural Foods Merchandiser’s 2007 Market Overview.

Each day, there are more food choices being offered to children in schools outside of the school meals program. Meals offered through the National School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast program must meet nutritional guidelines.

To eat at least 100 Nutripoints each day from six food groups is the goal. When reached, people are assured their diets will meet or exceed the U.S. Recommended Daily Allowances and recommendations of the American Heart Association and American Cancer Society.

This news may confirm the obvious to some, but it comes at a time when about 20% to 30% of children are overweight or at risk of becoming so. Some schools and entire school districts have revamped what’s sold in vending machines in an effort to offer foods that are considered healthier.

Competitive foods are defined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) as foods offered at school other than meals served through USDA school meal programs-school breakfast, school lunch and after school snack programs.

“Operators can charge more for healthy products and their sale through vending machines will increase operators’ revenue and margins across the board,” Trotter said. “For once vending can be associated with a leading movement in consumer health and wellness.

We begin the 21st century with a startling setback: An epidemic of childhood obesity.” That’s from the opening line of a report issued today by the Institute of Medicine, an independent group that advises the federal government.

Childhood obesity has reached epidemic proportions. Obesity causes extensive health consequences and results in significant financial implications to individuals and taxpayers.