Food in school vending machines

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Rovner, A.J., Nansel, T.R., Wang, J., & Iannatti, R.J. (2011). Food in school vending machines is associated with overall student dietary intake. Journal of Adolescent Health, 48, 13-19.

The purpose of the study was to examine the food sold in vending machines at school and the associated dietary behavior of students. The results indicated that 83% of schools had vending machines that primarily sold foods with minimal nutrient value (soft drinks, chips, and sweets). Along with this, having food available in vending machines influenced the dietary behaviors in younger students. Older grades were not significantly influenced – this supports the belief that dietary behaviors are primarily created while students are younger. Another interesting result discovered was that students with higher family affluence reported greater consumption of fruits/vegetables than students with lower family affluence.

Dietitians in the community setting can utilize this information even if they do not work in a school setting. Having knowledge that younger individuals who are not very affluent may be at greater risk for poor dietary behaviors can help influence the program that a dietitian will develop.


-LL

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