Exclusive vending contracts with food and beverage companies can produce much-needed revenue for school districts. However, these pouring and vending contracts as well as other forms of exclusive vendor contracts are often the subject of contentious public debate and legal challenges. Even the language used to refer to such agreements varies: Opponents often refer to them as "commercialism," while proponents refer to them as "school-business partnerships." But the number of contracts is increasing in schools, and according to the Commercialism in Education Research Unit (CERU) "commercialism remains firmly entrenched in schools" (Molnar, 2003). The primary downsides to entering into revenue-generating school-business partnerships include being out-negotiated by the vendor and losing sight of what is best for the students and the school. School leaders can overcome both of these problems through thought, preparation, and a good partnership between the school and the school attorney. In fact, once the interests of the students are protected and the legal hurdles are overcome, such contracts can provide schools with a valuable source of funding without an adverse effect on students or school operations. This issue of "A Legal Memorandum" offers tips for negotiating legal and fair contracts between schools and food and beverage companies.