National School Meals: Not the Only “Meal Ticket” in Illinois

Deborah Rees, R.D., L.D.N., Supervisor, Illinois Nutrition Education and Training Program; Barbara Burrell, Associate Director, Public Opinion Laboratory, Northern Illinois University

Purpose/Objective
To conduct a survey of principals and school food service directors in Illinois junior high and high schools to determine the types of foods and beverages sold outside the federally regulated school meals programs and attitudes concerning a healthy school environment.

Study Design & Method
The survey was sent to 900 principals and 739 food service directors representing a random sample of 772 public schools and 128 nonpublic schools. Completed surveys were received from 339 principals and 404 food service directors, representing 585 (65%) of schools in the sample.

Results
Eighty-six percent of the schools reported offering a la carte foods and beverages daily with pizza, snack chips and French fries identified as best sellers. Eighty-four percent have vending machines with soda being the most popular vended item. Nearly one-third have vending machines that are open all day. Seventy-two percent had contracts with soda companies. Seventy-three percent of schools fundraise with food with 58% selling candy. Principals (53%) and food service directors (49%) believe that schools should provide more healthful and less healthful foods but promote more healthful choices to students through such things as price incentives, marketing and nutrition education. The majority favor a district or school-wide policy that sets nutrition standards for all food and beverages sold in the school.

Application
The survey indicates that the majority of Illinois schools sell food and beverage in addition to school meals and that much of what is available or bought by students is high in calories and low in nutritional value. The survey also provides insight to the attitudes of school decision-makers.

This survey was funded by USDA Team Nutrition.

This program has been funded at least in part with Federal funds from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Services. The content of this program does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Department, nor does mention of trade names, commercial product, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.

Illinois Nutrition Education & Training program - In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

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