In 2007, Maine became the first state to pass legislation limiting the marketing of foods of minimal nutritional value (FMNV) in public schools. This article describes compliance with this legislation and the nature and extent of junk food marketing in a representative statewide sample of high schools in Maine. Researchers found that posters and signs for unhealthy foods and beverages appeared in 85 percent of Maine high schools after the law took effect. An average of 12 instances of noncompliant marketing was found per school. In only 15 percent of schools, both administrators interviewed–the principal and food service director–reported knowing about the ban on marketing of unhealthy foods and beverages. Administrators in 80 percent of schools reported wanting more help to meet the law’s requirements.
Published: March 2012
ID #: 66961
Journal: Public Health Rep
Authors: Polacsek M, O'Rourke K, O'Brien L, Blum JW, Donahue S
Age Groups: Adolescents (grades 9 to 12), Adults and Families
Keywords: Competitive foods, Food advertising, Media, Nutrition standards, Rural, Snacks, Sugar-sweetened beverages, Urban, Vending machines, Water
Focus Areas: Food Marketing, School & After School
Resource Type: Journal Article
Race/Ethnicity: Multi-racial/ethnic
Related Research
November 2009
Examining a Statewide Law Banning Junk Food and Beverage Marketing in Maine Schools
Maine’s Chapter 156, the first statewide law banning junk food and beverage marketing in schools, went into effect in September 2007. No statewide policies to restrict marketing in schools exist or have been studied, and little is known about how best to create and implement marketing policy change in schools. In this study, investigators will MoreFebruary 2023
Rapid Health Impact Assessment on Changes to School Nutrition Standards to Align with 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans
The national school breakfast and lunch programs administered by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) are cornerstone federal nutrition assistance programs. School meals are one of the healthiest sources of foods for school-age children, which is significant as some children receive up to half of their daily calories at school. Policy opportunities in 2023 MoreNovember 2022