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.
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
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
Related Research
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Demographic and Financial Characteristics of School Districts with Low and High A La Carte Sales in Rural Kansas Public Schools
This paper examines how Kansas school districts with low à la carte sales differ from districts with moderate to high à la carte sales on important demographic and financial characteristics. A la carte sales are foods and beverages sold outside the federal reimbursable school meals program. Researchers found that in rural districts with low à MoreApril 2024
Promoting Healthier Purchases: Ultraprocessed Food Taxes and Minimally Processed Foods Subsidies for the Low Income
Fiscal policies can shift relative food prices to encourage the purchase and consumption of minimally processed foods while discouraging the purchase and consumption of unhealthy ultraprocessed foods, high in calories and nutrients of concern (sodium, sugar, and saturated fats), especially for low-income households. The 2017–2018 packaged food purchase data among U.S. households were used to MoreNovember 2023