Location of Food Stores Near Schools Does Not Predict the Weight Status of Maine High School Students

Published: July 2011

ID #: 57920

Journal: J Nutr Educ Behav

Authors: Harris DE, Blum JW, Bampton M, et al

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This article examines the relationship between stores selling calorie-dense foods near schools and student risk of being overweight or obese. Based on survey and geographic information systems (GIS) data for 11 Main high schools, researchers found ten schools with at least one store selling soda, and eight schools with at least one fast-food restaurant, within one kilometer of the school. Neither the proximity of stores selling food near schools nor the number of these stores around schools significantly predicted the likelihood of a student being overweight or obese.

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Age Group: Adolescents (grades 9 to 12)

Keywords: Body mass index (BMI), Corner store, Fast food, Food outlet, Geographic information systems, Grocery store, Restaurant, Snacks, Sugar-sweetened beverages, Supermarket

Focus Areas: Food Access, School & After School

Resource Type: Journal Article

State: Maine

Race/Ethnicity: Multi-racial/ethnic, White

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