The researchers conducted a two-part study to determine the impact of an environmental change to increase the selection of lower-fat foods by elementary schoolchildren. In the first part, students could choose from three different entres, one of which was lower in fat than the others. In Phase Two, choices were between two entres, one of which was lower in fat.
According to the researchers, "a reduction in available choices had a significant impact on the selection patterns of elementary schoolchildren.Specifically, low-fat entres were selected more than twice as often when they were paired with one rather than two alternative entres."
"Taken together, the results of this study indicate that a minimal intervention to decrease the number of competing, high-fat, popular entre options is sufficient to increase children's selection of low- or moderate-fat entrees."
Perceptions of High School Foodservice Directors and Principals on Competitive Food Policies Less than a year before all school districts in the country must put into place wellness policies designed to improve the nutrition and health of all children in the district, researchers from Pennsylvania State University surveyed high school foodservice directors and principals "to determine the extent, nature and level of enforcement of current school nutrition policies."
The researchers also wanted to discover foodservice directors' and principals' views on whether their schools have and enforce policies on "competitive foods." These items are sold in settings such as vending machines and school fund raisers. They tend to be lower in nutritio
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Contact: Julia Dombrowski
media@eatright.org
800-877-1600 x4769
American Dietetic Association
1-Feb-2006