Background: Today's youth are at risk for cancer in adulthood due to many factors-one of which is adolescent obesity. Although the obesity epidemic is a multi-faceted issue, what and where children eat are central. Funded through the Public Health Institute, a collaboration between California Project LEAN and the University of South Florida, College of Public Health sought to address policy practices that may contribute to inadequate diet and the acquisition of poor dietary behaviors in California high schools.
Purpose: To conduct formative research to determine policymakers' attitudes, perceptions, motivations and barriers related to policies supporting healthy eating in high schools.
Method: Fifty-one key informant interviews were conducted in California communities, and 38 elicitation surveys were administered at the annual California School Boards Association Meeting. Inquiries sought to identify economic and policy issues associated with healthy food choices and determine factors crucial in developing and implementing nutrition-related school health policies.
Results: Findings revealed that while school board members agree that healthy food choices are important, other issues such as academic achievement and facilities are higher priorities. Collective community voice is necessary for nutrition issues to be a school board priority. In addition to background research, the link between academic achievement and nutrition, and the practical benefit to children must be evident.
Conclusion: Policy is essential for a coordinated school health program to be implemented and sustained. School board members are critical in policy development and implementation. Results will be used in developing a health communication plan targeted at policy makers.
Learning Objectives: 1) By the end of the session, the participant will be able to identify the factors crucial to the development of nutrition-related school health policy. 2) By the end of the session, the participant will be able to discuss the importance of school board member buy-in to influence policy related to the acquisition of healthy eating behaviors among adolescents.
Keywords: Decision-Making, Food and Nutrition
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.