By Alabama Public Radio
Montgomery, AL – The state's elementary school students won't be able to purchase carbonated drinks from vending machines. And, soft drinks will be in limited supply in middle and high schools under a new plan approved Tuesday. The State Board of Education passed a health plan that will take effect for the upcoming school year. It doesn't just limit the number of soft drinks available to students. It also will phase out foods high in fat and sugar. State Schools Superintendent Joe Morton says the changes are monumental and designed to deal with the growing problems of obesity and diabetes.