US: Schools fail dietary guidelines for snacks

Less than 5% of school districts meet all recommendations for snacks and drinks sold outside of meals in the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, according to new research. Overall, policies were stronger for elementary school students: 41% of policies at the elementary school level had limits on sugar content in food sold in vending machines, whereas only 19% of policies at the high school level had the same limits. Fat content of snack foods was the most common policy across school districts, but only 4% school districts required fruits and vegetables sold in competitive venues. "Most districts allow schools to sell snacks and drinks that have more sugar, fat, or sodium than what's recommended by the 2010 Dietary Guidelines," said senior study author Jamie Chriqui. "Stronger federal regulations would help ensure uniformity across districts nationwide and provide guidance for districts seeking to enhance their existing snack food and beverage standards." Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
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Date Posted: 15 May 2012