Are ‘Competitive Foods’ Sold at School Making Our Children Fat?

Published: March 2010

ID #: 1042

Journal: Health Aff

Authors: Larson N, Story M

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Competitive foods, or foods and beverages sold outside of the school lunch program, are often cited as a contributing factor to the high rates of childhood obesity in the U.S. This article reviews the current literature on the availability and nutritional content of competitive foods in schools and the effects of these foods on students’ dietary intake and risk of obesity.

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

Keywords: Body mass index (BMI), Competitive foods, Fruits and vegetables, Nutrition standards, Snacks, Sugar-sweetened beverages, Vending machines

Resource Type: Journal Article

Focus Area: School & After School

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