title: Implementing elementary school nutrition policy:  principals' perspectives.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We assessed principals' perceptions about the level of school nutrition policy (SNP) implementation in Prince Edward Island elementary schools, objectively evaluated how closely elementary schools are following SNP regulations for types and frequency of foods offered at school, and explored principals' beliefs about the key enablers and barriers to SNP implementation.
  
  
  METHODS
  Phase I involved a cross-sectional survey of principals' assessment of perceived and actual adherence to SNP components. Phase II included in-depth interviews to explore principals' perceptions about factors influencing policy adherence. Descriptive statistics were generated. Thematic content analysis was used to identify themes.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Forty-one (93%) principals participated in Phase I, and nine of these participated in Phase II. The level of implementation of SNP components varied. Seventy-four percent of all foods sold were categorized as allowed by the SNP; 68% of schools sold at least one "not allowed" food. Key barriers included lost revenue, a higher cost of healthy foods, and limited availability of policy-allowed foods. Enablers were a high level of community support, ready access to food suppliers, and active parent volunteers.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  While schools are making progress in implementing the SNP, challenges remain. Identifying and communicating strategies for healthy fundraising activities and finding ways to involve parents in SNP implementation are recommended.
authors.affiliation: Department of Family & Nutritional Sciences, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown.
authors.forename: Jennifer P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Taylor
authors.forename: Debbie
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Maclellan
authors.forename: Jane Mary
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Caiger
authors.forename: Kimberley
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Hernandez
authors.forename: Mary
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: McKenna
authors.forename: Bob
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Gray
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Veugelers
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D005522:Food Services; D006284:Health Plan Implementation; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D018673:Nutrition Policy; D010465:Perception; D011325:Prince Edward Island; D012574:Schools / Q000458:organization & administration*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires