This article examines the relationship between stores selling calorie-dense foods near schools and student risk of being overweight or obese. Based on survey and geographic information systems (GIS) data for 11 Main high schools, researchers found ten schools with at least one store selling soda, and eight schools with at least one fast-food restaurant, within one kilometer of the school. Neither the proximity of stores selling food near schools nor the number of these stores around schools significantly predicted the likelihood of a student being overweight or obese.
Published: July 2011
ID #: 57920
Journal: J Nutr Educ Behav
Authors: Harris DE, Blum JW, Bampton M, et al
Age Group: Adolescents (grades 9 to 12)
Keywords: Body mass index (BMI), Corner store, Fast food, Food outlet, Geographic information systems, Grocery store, Restaurant, Snacks, Sugar-sweetened beverages, Supermarket
Focus Areas: Food Access, School & After School
Resource Type: Journal Article
State: Maine
Race/Ethnicity: Multi-racial/ethnic, White
Related Research
January 2011
Impact of Maine’s Statewide Nutrition Policy on High School Food Environments
This article examines the effects of Maine’s statewide nutrition policy banning “foods of minimal nutritional value” in public high schools (Chapter 51). The food environment of public high schools participating in federally funded meal programs was evaluated. Researchers found a significant decrease in availability of soda in student vending machines post-Chapter 51. No significant changes MoreJune 2006
Impact of Maine’s State-Wide Rule on High School Nutrition Environments and Students’ Dietary Behaviors
Maine’s Chapter 51 rule represents one of the strongest current state-wide school nutrition standards in the country. Study aims: 1) examine effects of Chapter 51, on high school nutrition policies, environments and revenues and on high school student dietary behaviors; and 2) examine the influence of proximity and density of non-school food venues on high MoreNovember 2024