School Nutrition Services (SNS) Research

Publication: JAND

Date Published: December 2018

Reference: 

The Impact of 1 Year of Healthier School Food Policies on Students’ Diets During and Outside of the School Day
Cohen, Juliana F.W. et al.
Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Volume 118, Issue 12, 2296 - 2301

Key Takeaways: The study aimed to assess the national school meal and comprehensive and competitive food/beverage standards on students' dietary behaviors. The study was carried out in the 2012-2013 school year in Massachusetts. Results show healthier selections for increased school meals, which included more fruits, veggies, and whole grains. Reduced selection of competitive foods and beverages that were high in added sugar and unhealthy fats. A study found minimal changes in student dietary behavior outside of school, which shows that school policies can change eating habits, but not at home or other settings, and must extend beyond school to achieve broader overall dietary habits.

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