School-based research and initiatives: fruit and vegetable environment, policy, and pricing workshop

Abstract

Background: Foods sold outside the school meals program are widely available and comprise an increasing share of the foods students purchase and consume at school. Federal policies provide little regulation of foods sold outside the school meals program. State and district policies are also limited, and few specifically address fruit and vegetable availability.

Methods: School-based interventions to promote consumption of fruit and vegetables among students in school settings have primarily consisted of multicomponent interventions that sometimes included an environmental intervention component.

Results: Results of these interventions have been positive, especially in their effects on fruit intake. The results of shorter term environmental interventions that used lower prices or increased availability as strategies to increase fruit and vegetable intake have been positive. Several new approaches currently being piloted in schools include school gardening programs, salad bars using fresh produce from local Farmer's Markets, and in-school, free fruit and vegetable distribution programs.

Conclusions: Better information is needed on the economics of competitive foods and the role that financial profitability plays in decisions about food availability and sales in the school setting. Although no model programs were identified at the workshop, several promising strategies were identified to promote fruit and vegetable intake among students in school settings.