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American Public Health Association
133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition
December 10-14, 2005
Philadelphia, PA
 APHA 2005
 
3345.0: Monday, December 12, 2005 - Board 1

Abstract #99486

Baseline nutritional content of competitive foods in one suburban middle and one high school

Daniel J. Finn, BS, Obesity Prevention Center, Saint Louis University - School of Public Health, 3545 Lafayette Ave., St Louis, MO 63104, 314-977-3223, finndj@slu.edu and MS Nanney, MS, RD, PhD, Obesity Prevention Center, Saint Louis University, 3545 Lafayette Ave, St. Louis, MO 63104.

Purpose: To evaluate the nutritional content of “competitive foods” offered in two schools. Setting: One middle school (Students=1081) and one high school (Students=1335) in suburban St. Louis. Methodology: An inventory of the vending machines and ‘a la carte' lines in the middle school (n=9) and high school (n=19) was conducted. Nutrition information collected included added sugar, total and saturated fat, calories, and serving size. This data was analyzed to determine if the foods met criteria set in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Revenue from previous year (2003) vending/snack sales was provided by food service. Results: Foods (n=54) offered in vending machines and ‘a la carte' lines exceeded dietary recommendations by +9% for added sugar (MN=19.1%, SD+17.2%), by +10.5% for total fat (MN=40.5%, SD+16.9%), and +2.6% for saturated fat (MN=11.6%, +SD7.6). Calories per suggested serving had a mean of 194 (SD+75.5). Beverages (n=41) had a mean of 100.5 calories per suggested serving (SD+44.7). However, 43% of beverages were 20 ounce bottles resulting in 213.7 calories per actual selling size (SD+110.6). 76% of those calories came from added sugars (N=40, SD+38.4). Annual sales from vending machines and ‘a la carte' lines per student were four times higher for middle school students than high school students ($43.98 versus $10.53). Conclusion: Food and beverage offerings that compete with the school lunch program have high levels of added sugar, fat, and calories. Sales indicate that middle school students may be at greatest risk. School policies that adopt nutrition criteria for competitive foods are needed.

Learning Objectives:

  • Upon attendance at this session, those present will be able to

    Keywords: Child/Adolescent, Nutrition

    Presenting author's disclosure statement:

    I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.

    School Health Posters: Nutrition and Physical Activity

    The 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition (December 10-14, 2005) of APHA