Carbonated drinks returning to Putnam schools

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. — Carbonated beverages will return to Putnam County's three high schools, but they will be no-calorie drinks.

According to the Cookeville Herald-Citizen, the county school board approved a request by principals to reinstate the beverages on a trial basis for the rest of the school year.

A school spokeswoman said students have been bringing carbonated drinks to school in their backpacks, and under the new policy they might be encouraged to drink the diet beverages. The sales from vending machines also provide the schools with much-needed revenue.

Across the state, non-diet soft drinks have been banned in some schools as a way to fight obesity.

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Information from: Cookeville Herald-Citizen, http://www.herald-citizen.com/