Impact of school wellness policies on school nutrition in 3 states with unique regulatory environments

Background: The school wellness policy demonstration project provided a unique opportunity to compare and contrast how different levels of state regulation affect the school food environment as schools were implementing their federally mandated wellness policies. This study aimed to determine the impact of the federal and state mandates on school food environments, meal participation and food and beverages sales. Design: Data regarding the status of food service facilities and the foods and beverages offered was collected pre- and post- wellness policy implementation by direct observation at 84 schools from 31 districts in 3 states. Food and beverage sales and meal participation data were also collected to determine the financial impact of wellness policy implementation. Results: There were distinct differences between states in terms of the types of the competitive foods and beverages offered and their degree of compliance with nutrition standards that appear to reflect the varying level of state regulation. Findings regarding meal program foods and facilities reveal both encouraging and discouraging national trends and regional differences. Schools made much progress toward achieving healthier food and beverage environments however neither the foods offered nor the facilities are optimal for encouraging meal participation and healthy eating. Sales and meal participation data indicate that implementing nutrition standards and other nutrition policies can be financially neutral or even beneficial to schools, however challenges remain. Discussion: These findings have clear and specific implications (which will be discussed) for framing future regulatory and programmatic efforts to support healthy school environments.