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Clinical Trial
. 2003 Jul;93(7):1161-7.
doi: 10.2105/ajph.93.7.1161.

Food environment in secondary schools: a la carte, vending machines, and food policies and practices

Simone A French  1 , Mary Story, Jayne A Fulkerson, Anne Faricy Gerlach
Affiliations
Clinical Trial

Food environment in secondary schools: a la carte, vending machines, and food policies and practices

Simone A French et al. Am J Public Health. 2003 Jul.

Abstract

Objectives: This study described the food environment in 20 Minnesota secondary schools.

Methods: Data were collected on school food policies and the availability and nutritional content of foods in school à la carte (ALC) areas and vending machines (VMs).

Results: Approximately 36% and 35% of foods in ALC areas and in VMs, respectively, met the lower-fat criterion (< or = 5.5 fat grams/serving). The chips/crackers category constituted the largest share of ALC foods (11.5%). The median number of VMs per school was 12 (4 soft drink, 2 snack, 5 other). Few school food policies were reported.

Conclusions: The availability of healthful foods and beverages in schools as well as school food policies that foster healthful food choices among students needs greater attention.

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References

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