Creating nutrition policy change in schools: What happens when?

Background: Arkansas Act 1220 of 2003 was an early legislative attempt to combat childhood obesity. It established mechanisms for evidence-based changes to school nutrition and physical activity policies and practices. Purpose: This presentation presents the findings from a 9-year evaluation of nutrition policy changes and highlights the trajectory of change observed. Methods: Principals and superintendents in all Arkansas public schools and districts were surveyed annually (75%-84% response rates). A baseline was established in 2004 with annual follow-up through Spring 2012. Findings/Results: Over the 9 years, schools modified their nutrition policies and practices in competitive food availability, foods used as rewards, and healthy options offered during school-sponsored events and fundraising. However, the changes in policy have not been steady. Some policies and practices (e.g., offering food in school stores and snack bars) were modified early and have remained infrequent. Many policies (e.g., healthy options in vending machines, students' access to vending machines) were implemented more gradually, and some have evidenced an apparent reversal of policy over time.

Conclusions: Significant change in nutrition policies and practice were observed in Arkansas schools since enactment of Act 1220 of 2003. However, the timing and durability of policy changes have not been consistent across policy types. Significance: Policy advocates should be aware of the propensity of schools to change policies after their initial adoption and prepare to support schools in maintaining policies that are desirable for student health.