As of 2012, all Calgary public schools will be junk-food free, according to a new report by CBC News.

“We have to model good behavior and part of that is to remove things that are unhealthy, and we’re poised to do that in January,” said superintendent Naomi Johnson.

This, in theory, sounds like a great initiative. Most parents would like to see the promotion of healthy eating and snacking in their children’s schools. But, still, a few questions remain.

What does a junk-food “ban” actually mean? Is it the removal of sugary and fried food from vending machines? Is it the complete removal of vending machines—which some might argue bring a tremendous amount of revenue to the schools? Or would it be similar to current nut-free initiatives in schools, in which students can no longer bring junk food into the building? If that is the case, then where does the school draw the line; who decides what’s considered healthy food and what’s considered junk food?

Unsurprisingly, many parents are in favour of this ban. According to the Calgary Sun, parent Kelly Guggisberg loves the idea. “I think (my son) makes healthy food choices, but I don’t want that kind of temptation that he is going to pass by it every day. I think it’s an overwhelming temptation.”

What do you think? Is this a good initiative and a step in the right direction? Or does it just mean that students will get their junk-food fixes elsewhere?