Dollars and sense: Food and beverage sales in California schools

Three state-wide studies in California are being conducted by the Center for Weight and Health to assess the impact of school nutrition policies on various outcomes. Due to concerns that a switch to healthier options might adversely affect sales, the impact of nutrition policies on both meal program revenues and sales of competitive foods are of particular interest. Each of the 3 studies employ a pre/ post design and so far have conducted a baseline financial analysis of revenues, expenditures and/or profits from food and beverage sales at 57 randomly selected high schools, 24 schools (K-12) participating in a school wellness policy demonstration project, and 18 schools (K-12) participating in the Healhy Eating, Active Communities Initiative. Financial data for one full school year was obtained from school food service (ala carte and meal program), student stores, vending machines and other venues on campus. Baseline findings will be presented and will describe where foods and beverages are sold and how much revenue and/or profit is generated at the various venues. The nature of the products being sold will also be described. The implications of the findings for efforts to change or reduce competitive food offerings will be discussed as well as strategies and tips for accurately monitoring sales of school foods and beverages.