State and District-Level Policies for Food Marketing in U.S. School Districts

State and District-Level Policies for Food Marketing in U.S. School Districts

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) researchers recently published an article in CDC’s Preventing Chronic Disease (PCD) journal on the associations between state-level guidance and the policies and practices in school districts regarding food and beverage marketing and promotion. State agencies play a critical role in providing school districts with guidance and technical assistance on school nutrition issues, including food and beverage marketing practices. Associations were examined between state-level guidance and the policies and practices in school districts regarding food and beverage marketing and promotion. State policy guidance was positively associated with districts prohibiting advertisements for junk food or fast food restaurants on school property. Technical assistance from states was negatively associated with two district practices to restrict marketing of unhealthy foods and beverages, but positively associated with one practice to promote healthy options.

These findings may help inform guidance that states provide to school districts and help identify which districts may need additional assistance to address marketing and promotion practices. Policy guidance and technical assistance from states to school districts can help restrict advertisements for junk food or fast food restaurants on school property.

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