Fundraising Chocolates Will Likely Be Banned In The ACT; Freddos To Be Swapped With Mangoes

An impending ban is looming over fundraiser chocolates, as the ACT looks to take chocolate out of the equation all together by imposing a ban.

The ACT Public Sector Healthy Food and Drink Choices policy says “red food items”—including choclates, soft drinks and deep-fried foods—must not be supplied in catering, giveaways or fundraisers.

A notice about the ban was sent out to government workers, basically confirming that fundraising chocolates will soon be a thing of the past in ACT public service offices.

“While chocolate or confectionery fundraisers are often trying to raise money for a good cause, they have a detrimental impact on our health,” read a notice about the ban.

“There is a growing trend for sporting teams and school grounds to fundraise in other ways, which includes offering healthier alternatives,” it continued.

One suggested alternative is mangoes. Apparently, ACT bureaucrats think that mangoes are “close enough” to Freddo Frogs and Caramello Koalas.

It’s hit another chord in the debate around nanny state-like regulations, with some comparing the ban to feeling as though they’re five years old and back in their primary school playground.

And we're also gonna get a playlunch break, but we can't go on the monkey-bars after 2pm: https://t.co/sf8cztH8E7

— Big Tim Stiles (@BigTimStiles) December 13, 2016

Officials have also criticised the ban, saying it’s a blatant government overreach. Opposition leader Alistair Coe said, “Once again … the ACT Government is simply going too far and meddling in people’s lives, when they should just be staying out of it.”

Mr Coe thinks there’s absolutely nothing wrong with fundraiser mangoes, but strongly believes workers should have the free will to decide their own chocolate-consumption destiny. On the contrary, ACT Chief Minister’s directorate has defended the chocolate ban.

“When you consider that one in four adults in the ACT are obese, it’s the Government’s view that work that can be done to make healthier choices easier for people should be done,” rebutted Mike Young.

He has a good point, but also, chocolate.

Photo: Facebook (@CadburyFundraiser)