Key Findings from Competitive Foods Message Research

Two rounds of research were conducted to assess the American public's opinions towards federal nutrition standards on competitive foods. First, a round of focus groups was carried out in four cities, and two groups were conducted by phone to gain general views and opinions from moderates and conservatives, parents and non-parents, and school administrators and extra-curriculum facilitators on competitive food standards and messaging. These findings were then used to inform the development of a survey instrument for a national poll. The poll was administered in January 2012 and is nationally representative of American voters. Results showed strong support for national standards with 80% of voters supporting nutrition standards for foods served in schools, and 75% of voters in support of minimum nutrition standards for foods served outside of the school meals program. The majority of voters felt that children's health and childhood obesity is an important issue, and most believed that competitive foods sold in schools are not healthy. Generally, the public is very supportive of national nutrition standards that can be used as a base for schools and local governments to modify to meet their specific needs.