To what extent have high schools in California been able to implement state-mandated nutrition standards?
OBJECTIVE
To determine extent and factors associated with implementation of California's school nutrition standards 1 year after standards became active.


METHODS
Information on competitive foods and beverages available in schools was collected from a representative sample of 56 public high schools in California. Adherence to nutrition standards was calculated for each item and summarized for each school by venue. The association between schools' sociodemographic characteristics and adherence to standards was determined by multivariate analysis.


RESULTS
The majority of schools were adhering to the required beverage standards. None of the schools selling competitive foods were 100% adherent to the food standards. Adherence to both standards tended to be highest in food service venues. In univariate analyses, percent nonwhite enrollment, population density, percent free/reduced-price (FRP) meal eligibility, and school size were significantly correlated with the beverage adherence rate. Percent nonwhite enrollment and population density remained significant in the multivariate regression model. Percent nonwhite enrollment and percent FRP meal eligibility were significantly correlated with the food adherence rate in univariate analysis, but neither remained significant in the multiple regression model.


CONCLUSIONS
California high schools are making progress toward implementation of the state nutrition standards. Beverage standards appear easier to achieve than nutrient-based food standards. Additional support is needed to provide schools with resources to implement and monitor these policies. Simpler standards and/or a reduction in the foods and beverages sold could better enable schools to achieve and monitor adherence.
Samuels
Sarah E
SE
Samuels & Associates, Inc., Oakland, California 94612, USA. sarah@samuelsandassociates.com
Bullock
Sally Lawrence
SL
Woodward-Lopez
Gail
G
Clark
Sarah E
SE
Kao
Janice
J
Craypo
Lisa
L
Barry
Jay
J
Crawford
Patricia B
PB
D000293:Adolescent; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001628:Beverages / Q000191:economics / Q000592:standards* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D002140:California; D003132:Commerce / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D005502:Food / Q000191:economics / Q000592:standards*; D005509:Food Dispensers, Automatic / Q000191:economics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000592:standards; D005522:Food Services / Q000191:economics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000592:standards*; D019983:Guideline Adherence; D006284:Health Plan Implementation; D006801:Humans; D018673:Nutrition Policy; D012574:Schools / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000592:standards*