State-Level Guidance and District-Level Policies and Practices for Food Marketing in US School Districts

Abstract

State agencies play a critical role in providing school districts with guidance and technical assistance on school nutrition issues, including food and beverage marketing practices. We examined associations between state-level guidance and the policies and practices in school districts regarding food and beverage marketing and promotion. State policy guidance was positively associated with districts prohibiting advertisements for junk food or fast food restaurants on school property. Technical assistance from states was negatively associated with 2 district practices to restrict marketing of unhealthy foods and beverages, but positively associated with 1 practice to promote healthy options. These findings may help inform the guidance that states provide to school districts and help identify which districts may need additional assistance to address marketing and promotion practices.

Healthy Eating Policy Strategies in Community Health Improvement Plans: A Cross-Sectional Survey of US Local Health Departments

“…Studies have evaluated similar regulations within specific settings. Although most US school districts require or recommend prohibiting advertising of unhealthy foods or soft drinks in schools, 37 only 2 local jurisdictions in California proposed or regulated promotion of unhealthy foods through free toys or other incentives as of 2011. 35 Zoning to prohibit fast-food outlets has been limited; our results mirror a cross-sectional survey of all US LHDs where 1% reported involvement in policy to limit fast-food outlets, 25 and an inventory found that only 77 US local jurisdictions had proposed or adopted such land use policies.…”