CHICAGO -- Students at Chicago Public Schools might not be able to get their favorite foods this fall.

Chicago Public School officials said on Tuesday that they want to ban junk food from school vending machines.

"Simply put, we're looking to get rid of the junk," said Arne Duncan, CEO of the Chicago Public Schools.

CPS officials said they are considering removing the junk food to make sure that students eat in a healthy fashion.

The policy formally goes before the school board in May.

The policy comes as childhood obesity is reaching epidemic proportions in the United States.

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Childhood obesity has tripled over the last three decades and preliminary surveys show the obesity rate in Chicago public schools may be above the national level.

School officials said removing the chips and sugared soda is one move in the right direction.

"We are [not only] primarily responsible for feeding their minds, but their bodies as well," Duncan said. "We take that responsibility seriously."

Students, however, have mixed feelings regarding the new policy.

"I'm in favor of healthy diets, but I think students should be able to make that choice on our own," said one student, Jack Washington.

CPS officials said removing candy and sugared pop from the vending machines is just the first step toward combating obesity.

They've also established a special task force to educate parents about healthy diets and exercise regimens for children.

Officials said the Chicago public schools have made approximately $20 million over the last five years through vending machine sales.

Duncan, though, said replacing these items doesn't necessarily mean that revenues will go down.

"Money could actually increase," he said. "Frankly, whether or not we lose money, it's the right thing to do."