(AP) NEW YORK Tens of millions of students will no longer be able to buy sodas in the nation's public schools. Here's what you need to know.

WHO?
The nation's largest beverage distributors agree to halt nearly all sales of soda to public schools.

WHICH BEVERAGE COMPANIES?
Industry giants Cadbury Schweppes PLC, Coca-Cola Co. and PepsiCo Inc. -- all American Beverage Association members -- have agreed to the changes.

WHO BROKERED THE DEAL?
The Alliance for a Healthier Generation, a collaboration between the William J. Clinton Foundation and the American Heart Association.

TERMS OF THE AGREEMENT
High schools will still be able to sell low-calorie drinks that contain less than 10 calories per serving, as well as drinks that are considered nutritious, such as juice, sports drinks and low-fat milk, all in 12-ounce servings. Elementary schools will sell 8-ounce servings of the "nutritious" drinks, and middle school kids will get 10-ounce-size drinks. Whole milk will no longer be offered to any schools.

WHERE WILL THE NEW RULES APPLY?
On school grounds during the regular school day and at after-school activities such as band and choir practice. But soda sales at events such as school plays, band concerts and sporting events, where adults are a significant portion of the audience, won't be affected.

WHY?
To help curb childhood obesity by removing the sugary, caloric drinks from vending machines and cafeterias around the country.

THE COST?
The financial impact of the agreement on the $63 billion beverage industry is virtually none as the sale of sugar-carbonated sodas in schools is a tiny part of its overall volume, according to Beverage Digest. But changing portion sizes and vending machines to implement the agreement will cost the beverage industry millions of dollars, the American Beverage Association says.

WHEN?
The changes should be implemented at 75 percent of the nation's public schools before the 2008-2009 school year, and at all public schools a year later.