title: Who's adopting the smarter lunchroom approach? Individual characteristics of innovative food service directors.
abstract: School cafeterias and, subsequently, food service directors (FSDs) play a vital role in feeding children in the U.S. This study investigates which FSDs with different characteristics and organizational affiliations are most willing to embrace and implement new programs in their cafeterias. In 2014 we surveyed a representative sample of 8143 school FSDs across the U.S. regarding their knowledge and use of innovative methods that encourage children to select healthy food options. Nearly all of the surveyed FSDs (93%) are aware of behavioral strategies to promote healthier eating in school lunchrooms, and nearly 93% report having made at least one change in their lunchroom. Male FSDs are more likely to be aware of new programs, though they are less likely to adopt them relative to female FSDs. In addition, membership in a professional organization increases awareness as well as the number of changes made by 0.14 (p<0.01). Finally, 22% of all respondents say they know about the Smarter Lunchrooms approach, a set of research-based lunchroom behavioral strategies that positively influence children to select healthy foods. The findings highlight the importance of participation in professional associations which provide career-building activities for school FSDs increasing awareness and adoption of innovative approaches to motivate children to eat the nutritious foods. Given these findings, there is reason for policy makers and school districts to consider allocating funds to encourage FSDs to engage more fully in professional association meetings and activities.
authors.affiliation: Cornell University, 475 Warren Hall, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA; Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management, Cornell University, 475 Warren Hall, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.
authors.forename: Gnel
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Gabrielyan
authors.affiliation: Cornell University, 475 Warren Hall, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA; Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA. Electronic address: hanks.46@osu.edu.
authors.forename: Drew S
authors.initials: DS
authors.lastname: Hanks
authors.affiliation: Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, University of South Carolina, SC 29208, USA. Electronic address: kathryn.i.hoy@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Kathryn
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Hoy
authors.affiliation: Cornell University, 475 Warren Hall, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA; Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics, Cornell University, 475 Warren Hall, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA. Electronic address: drj3@cornell.edu.
authors.forename: David R
authors.initials: DR
authors.lastname: Just
authors.affiliation: Cornell University, 475 Warren Hall, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA. Electronic address: fblsubmissions@cornell.edu.
authors.forename: Brian
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Wansink
mesh_terms: D004059:Diffusion of Innovation; D005260:Female; D005522:Food Services / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D019359:Knowledge; D008297:Male; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012111:Residence Characteristics; D012574:Schools / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012737:Sex Factors; D013192:Staff Development
keywords: Choice behavior; Food service directors; Innovation; School nutrition