Understanding School Leaders’ Perspective of the Barriers and Facilitators in Making Free Water Available in Schools

Start Date: September 2010

ID #: CAS002

Organization: The Sarah Samuels Center for Public Health Research & Evaluation

Project Lead: Sallie Yoshida, DrPH, RD

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Water, as a beverage replacement for sugar-sweetened beverages, is a promising school-based obesity prevention strategy. Implemented in July 2011, California Senate Bill 1413 (SB1413) requires schools to provide free, fresh drinking water during mealtimes in school food service areas. This research project examined barriers and facilitators that influence the availability of free water in school cafeterias by capturing the perspectives of school administrators, including their opinion about electrolyte replacement beverages (sports drinks) and sugar-sweetened beverages and their influence on water consumption. Data were collected using an online survey with school administrators and school district facilities managers and directors. The research findings provided timely information for policy-makers and local advocates as SB1413 was implemented in California.

Age Groups: Adolescents (grades 9 to 12), Elementary-age children (grades K to 5), Young adolescents (grades 6 to 8)

Focus Areas: Beverages, School & After School

State: California

Resource Type: Commissioned Research Project Summary

Keywords: Competitive foods, Food service, Sugar-sweetened beverages, Water

Race/Ethnicity: Multi-racial/ethnic

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