School Nutrition Services (SNS) Research

Publication: JAND

Date Published: August 2015

Reference: 

Implementation of Competitive Food and Beverage Standards in a Sample of Massachusetts Schools: The NOURISH Study (Nutrition Opportunities to Understand Reforms Involving Student Health)
Hoffman, Jessica A. et al.
Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Volume 115, Issue 8, 1299 - 1307.e2

Key Takeaways: How well a sample of Massachusetts schools implemented new state-level competitive food and beverages following regulations enacted in 2012. These standards aimed to improve the nutritional quality of foods and drinks sold outside of the food school meal programs. Schools significantly improved and started complying with new nutrition standards. Other schools struggled following school compliance due to vendor availability, product reformulation, and limited resources. The nutritional quality of available competitive foods and beverages improved, resulting in a reduction in high-calorie and low-nutrient options. Strong support at the school and district levels is needed, as well as vendor cooperation, and technical assistance are needed for effective implementations.

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