Examining the Financial Impact of a la Carte Foods in Kansas Public Schools

Start Date: September 2008

ID #: 65072

Principal Investigator: Nicole Nollen, PhD

Co-Principal Investigator: Kim Kimminau, PhD

Organization: University of Kansas Medical Center

Funding Round: Round 3

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This project will characterize demographic and financial differences in the dependence on a la carte food sales among school food service programs. Specifically, the aims of this research are to: (a) classify and describe school districts according to their level of a la carte dependence, (b) explore key financial and demographic characteristics that distinguish low, moderate and heavy a la carte dependent districts, and (c) develop a comparative cost-analysis report that food service staff and policymakers can use to inform efforts to reduce, eliminate, or improve the nutritional quality of a la carte offerings. This project will consist of secondary data analysis of the 2008 Annual Financial Report for School Nutrition Programs and Wellness Policy Report provided to the Kansas State Department of Education by all 295 Kansas school districts. The findings from this work will be communicated to districts through a comparative cost-analysis report and to state stakeholders through issue briefs and invited testimonies.

Age Groups: Adolescents (grades 9 to 12), Elementary-age children (grades K to 5), Young adolescents (grades 6 to 8)

Keywords: Competitive foods, Food service, School meal programs, Snacks

Resource Type: Grant Summary

State: Kansas

Race/Ethnicity: Multi-racial/ethnic

Focus Areas: Pricing & Economics, School & After School

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