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This article finds that mobile food vendors contribute to after-school snacking among children, and should be considered part of the school food environment. Based on data collected in Oakland, CA in the spring of 2008, researchers found a wide variety of vendors near schools. They include vendors who sell low-nutrient, calorie-dense items, such as ice cream and candy, and those who sell nutritious items, such as whole and processed (cut and bagged) fruits and vegetables. Forty percent of the whole and processed fruits and vegetables sold by vendors were consumed by children.
State: California
Keywords: Community setting, Fruits and vegetables, Mobile food vending, Neighborhood, Out-of-School Time, Snacks, Urban
Age Groups: Elementary-age children (grades K to 5), Young adolescents (grades 6 to 8)
Focus Areas: Food Access, Food Retail, School & After School
Resource Type: Journal Article
Race/Ethnicity: Latino(a) or Hispanic, Multi-racial/ethnic
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