Beginning July 1, public libraries will trade in their Snickers bars for healthier options.

On March 14, the city council unanimously passed an ordinance that will require healthy snacks to be served in the public library vending machines.

"One-third of all California middle school students are overweight," said San Jose City Councilman Ken Yeager, who proposed the vending machine guidelines. "It is imperative that the city take a policy stand on this issue."

So instead of candy bars, chips and other sugary and fat-laden food, library vending machines will offer snacks such as instant oatmeal, granola bars, nuts and fruit.

The nutritional guidelines for the vending machines place fat, sugar and sodium restrictions on snacks. Snacks can have no more than 35 percent of their calories from fat, with the exception of nuts and seeds, no more than 10 percent of their calories from saturated fat, and no trans fat. Sugar and caloric sweeteners cannot make up more than 35 percent of the total weight, with the exception of unprocessed fruits and vegetables. Also, snacks cannot have more than 360 mg of sodium per serving and must have at least 2 grams of fiber per serving.

Allowed beverages include water, 100 percent fruit juices, milk, diet soda, plant-derived milk (such as soy and rice milk), coffee and teas and electrolyte replacements that do not exceed 50 calories per 12-ounce container.

The opportunity to change the guidelines for library vending machines arose because the current vending machine contract will expire on July 1. The goal is to change the requirements and select a distributor on a timely basis, so new vending machines can be put in place by July 1. The use of money from the General Fund will not be required. It is expected the revenue generated from the purchase of the snacks will offset the cost.

With the council supporting Yeager's recommendation to look at extending the healthy food and drink requirements in the local libraries, he said, "The city council has made tremendous strides toward ensuring a healthier environment for San Jose families and children."