Using a large representative sample of 56 California high schools, this study examined the influence of comprehensive food and beverage legislation on both school meal participation and revenue. Researchers found that a year after California’s legislation was implemented, participation in the free/reduced lunch program increased significantly, thus increasing total meal participation. There was a slight non-significant decrease in à la carte revenue of $0.08 compared to a modest significant increase of $0.16 in meal revenue, suggesting that school food service departments were successful in compensating for losses from à la carte by increasing meal sales. The changes resulted in a non-significant increase in total food service revenue from $1.12 to $1.19 (per student per day).
Published: August 2012
ID #: 57926
Journal: Child Obes
Authors: Peart T, Kao J, Crawford PB, Samuels SE, Craypo L, Woodward-Lopez G
Age Group: Adolescents (grades 9 to 12)
State: California
Keywords: Competitive foods, Food service, Nutrition standards, School meal programs, Snacks, Sugar-sweetened beverages, Vending machines
Resource Type: Journal Article
Race/Ethnicity: Multi-racial/ethnic
Focus Areas: Pricing & Economics, School & After School
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