This brief reviews the evidence on food-related fundraising in schools and changes to the school food environment over the past decade, providing new data from the Bridging the Gap (BTG) research program’s 2013-14 school year national survey data. In-school fundraisers can be problematic nutritionally because, historically, unhealthy foods such as baked goods, candies, and sugary drinks have often been sold as part of these fundraising events. Food-related fundraising is common and has been in existence for many years, though the past decade has brought a variety of changes to the school food landscape. For example, the Smart Snacks school nutrition standards, which went into effect July 2014, define the portions and types of foods and beverages that can be sold outside of school meals on school campuses during the school day. However, these standards also allow states to exempt some fundraisers at which unhealthy foods and beverages may be sold, which has resulted in a patchwork of fundraiser policies and practices nationwide. The brief also describes potential strategies that may offer opportunities for schools to successfully raise funds without adversely impacting student health.
Published: March 2016
ID #: 1090
Publisher: Healthy Eating Research and Bridging the Gap
Authors: Turner L, Chriqui JF, Terry-McElrath Y
Age Groups: Adolescents (grades 9 to 12), Elementary-age children (grades K to 5), Young adolescents (grades 6 to 8)
Keywords: Beverage contracts, Competitive foods, Nutrition standards, School wellness policies, Snacks, Sugar-sweetened beverages, Vending machines
State: National
Focus Areas: Nutrition Policy & Programs, School & After School
Resource Type: Research Brief
Related Research
November 2024
Experiences with COVID-19 economic relief measures among low-wage worker families: a qualitative study
This study aimed to understand experiences with COVID-19 economic relief measures among low-wage worker households with children during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study conducted semi-structured qualitative interviews from low-wage workers in households with children in two U.S. cities in 2022 (n = 40). The sample was recruited from a larger study which included survey measures MoreNovember 2024
School-based nutrition education programs alone are not cost effective for preventing childhood obesity: a microsimulation study
Although interventions to change nutrition policies, systems, and environments (PSE) for children are generally cost effective for preventing childhood obesity, existing evidence suggests that nutrition education curricula, without accompanying PSE changes, are more commonly implemented. This study aimed to estimate the societal costs and potential for cost-effectiveness of 3 nutrition education curricula frequently implemented in MoreJune 2024