Impact of Maine's state-wide nutrition policy on the sale of

Background. In 2005, Maine adopted a state-wide nutrition rule, Chapter 51, which stated no sale of “foods of minimal nutritional value” (FMNV) was allowed at any time on school property. Sale of FMNV was permitted to staff, the public at events and in culinary arts programs if approved. Design. A retrospective design examined availability of FMNV pre- versus post-Chapter 51. Mailed surveys to high school foodservice directors (N=89) included questions on availability of FMNV in a la carte, vending, club sales and school stores pre- (2004-2005) and post-Chapter 51 (2006-2007). Questions regarding exceptions to Chapter 51 (e.g., sale to staff) were included. To assess compliance and school environments (e.g., advertising), eleven high schools were randomly chosen for 1-day observations. Results. Return rate was 60%. Few schools reported FMNV pre-Chapter 51 and only availability of FMNV (i.e. soda) in student vending was significantly decreased pre- versus post-Chapter 51 (p<0.05). The sale of FMNV was permitted to staff in 67.3%; to the public in 86.5% and in culinary arts programs in 31.1% of schools post-Chapter 51. Observations showed no availability of FMNV in student food venues. However, students were observed consuming soda. Candy considered a FMNV was freely available to students in some schools. Soda advertisement was pervasive. Discussion. Sale of FMNV to students in high schools was minimal pre-Chapter 51 nevertheless implementation of Chapter 51 improved student vending choices. Exceptions to Chapter 51 (e.g., sale to staff) approved at the local level likely reduced overall impact. Furthermore use of FMNV as the policy standard may be limiting.