title: Increases in support structures for healthy eating especially in low decile schools in New Zealand.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To compare two surveys conducted in 2007 and 2009, of the food and nutrition environment in New Zealand primary schools.
  
  
  METHODS
  A sample of primary schools was asked about foods and beverages provided or sold to students or used for fundraising, and nutrition-related policies and procedures. Comparisons were made between school decile groups and between years.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of primary schools selling food or beverages, 34% sold 'everyday' items once or more a day (39% in 2007) and 25% sold 'occasional' items once or more a day (36% in 2007). Two-thirds of schools sold food or beverages for fundraising, generally once a term or less. About half the schools had written policies about food (increased from 2007).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  There have been some improvements in the food and nutrition environment, with primary schools from lower deciles more likely to be making changes.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The reduction in funding for nutrition-related programs in primary schools may hinder the sustainability of the changes seen, especially in low decile schools.
authors.affiliation: Health Services Research Centre, Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand. megan.pledger@vuw.ac.nz
authors.forename: Megan
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Pledger
authors.forename: Janet
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: McDonald
authors.forename: Jacqueline
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Cumming
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D005509:Food Dispensers, Automatic / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005522:Food Services / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000706:statistics & numerical data / Q000639:trends*; D005653:Fund Raising; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009520:New Zealand; D018673:Nutrition Policy; D009753:Nutritive Value; D012574:Schools; D013334:Students