Proximity of Fast-Food Restaurants to Schools near Public Housing Developments

Nationwide, approximately 30% of children consume fast food every day. Increases in fast food consumption over the years have been positively associated with increasing obesity rates (Garcia, Sunil, and Hinojos, 2012). The literature shows students who go to schools near a high number of fast food restaurants ate more frequently from these venues. The aim of this research was to use geospatial analysis to determine the number of fast food restaurants available within a one-mile radius of public schools who serve adolescents residing in public housing communities. We conducted a geographical scan of nine public housing communities in the DC Metropolitan Area.  Using the school districts’ online search system, we determined the elementary, middle, and high school assigned to each public housing development. We identified 18, 17, and 5 restaurants near a school in Hyattsville,MD; DC; and Alexandria, VA respectively.  The variance in concentration and types of fast food restaurants could be related to differences in SES, food security, access to healthy foods, and food environment index. With such close proximity, students may consume fast-food meals before and after school. In addition, open campus policies and half day schedules at high schools may cause students to be more likely to consume fast food meals. We did not find any public policies limiting permits for fast-food restaurants within walking distance of a school.  Such measures may prove to be beneficial to improving the food environment students are exposed to.