Now that school's back in session you may be wondering what choices your kids have when eating away from home. In most schools, foods and beverages are available through U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) school meals (National School Breakfast and National School Lunch Program) as well as the sale of "competitive foods." While USDA school meal programs must meet federal nutrition standards, competitive foods do not have to meet federal nutrition standards unless they are sold inside food service areas during mealtimes. Thus, competitive foods found in school stores and snack bars often include chocolate and other kinds of candy (e.g., chocolate chip cookies), salty snacks not low in fat (e.g., potato and nacho chips), soda pop, and 2% or whole milk. Schools often argue that these foods keep participation rates high (leading to revenue for the school) and prepare students for the real world by providing choices.

To see how your state and school district rank in terms of more nutritious vs. less nutritious foods and beverages available to purchase see the tables provided at the end of this report provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In a recent study, CDC analyzed data from the 2006 School Health Profiles for public secondary schools in 36 states and 12 urban school districts. The report highlights several key findings:

  • In 2006, in all 36 states and all but one of 12 large urban school districts, 62%-94% of schools allowed students to purchase snack foods or beverages from vending machines at the school or at the school store, canteen, or snack bar.
  • In 28 states and five districts, fruits and vegetables were the least common items available, and in 34 states and 11 districts, bottled water was the most common item available.
  • During 2004-2006, the availability during school lunch periods of some less nutritious competitive foods and beverages at schools decreased across states, but availability did not decrease before school or during any school hours when meals are not being served.

If you would like to see healthier choices offered in your local schools consider joining a School Health Advisory Council (SHAC) or similar group, if available in your community.