Pepsi-Cola North America has made the decision to stop its distribution of all carbonated beverages to schools nationwide, the company announced recently.

“Regular soft drinks will not be allowed at any school level, though diet soft drinks will still be allowed in high schools,” said Dave DeCecco, a spokesman for Pepsi. “(When the program begins) depends on each individual school district, though we hope to have the policy in full effect nationwide by 2010.”

The policy won’t affect Lakeland High School until January 2007, according to Principal Mark Thomas.

"Drink machines are nice," Thomas said. "We should educate kids and teach them to make good decisions."

It is estimated that LHS earns about $20,000 a year from the soda machines. The profits from the sale of soft drinks go towards buying books, computers and copy paper, said Thomas. Currently there are 22 Pepsi machines on the LHS campus.

"There is no reason for me to pick up trash for someone else to get the money," Thomas said.

Pepsi made its new policy to try to help reduce obesity in students.

“We made this decision in May, in concert with the American Heart Association and the Clinton Foundation because we want to do our part to help curb obesity in America, “ DeCecco explained.

The new policy will remain in place, but Pepsi is willing to make modifications with school district input.

“We're always willing to re-evaluate the policy if schools have suggestions to modify it,” said DeCecco. “ The schools set the rules, and we would provide whatever products the schools felt were appropriate for their students.”