AFTER-SCHOOL FOOD AND ACTIVITY ENVIRONMENT
ENACT STRATEGY: Eliminate Marketing
Eliminate marketing of unhealthy foods on site, including through vending machines, posters and other print materials
Children and youth are exposed to an onslaught of marketing and advertisements on a daily basis, mostly targeting unhealthy foods. At home children view an estimated 20,000-40,000 commercials each year, with most of these ads advertising fatty, sugar laden or fast foods. Not even schools are safe from the influence of marketers; nearly half of school districts nationwide have soft drink contracts with soda companies that often require a certain number of vending machines, a minimum volume of sales, and/or in-school advertising. After-school programs, on the other hand, have a great opportunity to become “advertising free zones“ for unhealthy foods, by eliminating the marketing of these foods onsite, including through vending machines, posters and other print materials. Instead, after-school programs should focus on materials that reflect the benefits of eating healthy, wholesome foods.
Soda Facts (PDF)
The effects of soda consumption on children.
Soda Ban
“On August 27, 2002, the Los Angeles Unified School District Board unanimously voted to ban soft drinks in all LAUSD schools, beginning January 2004. This report provides a summary of the events that preceded and led to the passage of the LAUSD soda resolution and its implications for future action.”
These are case studies of schools that have made healthier food and beverages available through the USDA Food and Nutrition Service “Make It Happen" program.
Are YOU Getting' Played by Ronald McDonald? (PDF)
Fast food & soda advertising tricks to lure you into buying their products, developed by CANFit.
Taking the Fizz out of Soda Contracts: A Guide to Community Action
California Project LEAN (Leaders Encouraging Activity& Nutrition) developed this guide to help individuals or groups of people trying to combat school district soft drink contracts.
Making It Happen! School Nutrition Success Stories database
This searchable database of school success stories provides valuable tips and examples of unique approaches schools have taken to improve their nutrition environment.
Healthy Choice Options in Vending Machines on County Property
By creating a policy that 100% of the food and beverages sold in vending machines at county facilities that primarily serve youth are healthy options, the San Diego Board of Supervisors have eliminated one source of unhealthy marketing for youth in their county.
Healthy Policy Yields Healthy Minds
This City Council resolution authorizes that the food, beverages and snacks for sale in vending machines at the youth-orientated facilities throughout the City of Baldwin Park, shall transition to provide healthier options in accordance with SB 19.
No Junk Food: Policies
“Grassroots activism, at its best, inspires legislative reform at the local, state, national, and international level. This section will provide updates on the policies that directly affect the health of our youth. Writing letters of support or gratitude to elected officials, for work well done, is highly encouraged.”
The California Adolescent Nutrition and Fitness (CANFit) Program is a statewide, non-profit organization whose mission is to engage communities and build their capacity to improve the nutrition and physical activity status of California's low-income African American, American Indian, Latino, and Asian/ Pacific Islander youth 10-14 years old.
No Junk Food
Read about healthy alternatives to fundraising and to selling junk food.
The Society for Nutrition Education
“The Society for Nutrition Education (SNE) represents the unique professional interests of nutrition educators in the United States and worldwide. SNE is dedicated to promoting healthy, sustainable food choices and has a vision of healthy people in healthy communities.”
This experimental study found that preschool children preferred foods and beverages wrapped in McDonald’s packaging over identical items in unbranded packaging. The authors conclude that branding influences children’s taste preferences, and agree with recommendations to regulate marketing to young children.
Robinson, T, Borzekowski, D., Matheson, D., Kraemer, H. Effects of Fast Food Branding on Young Children’s Taste Preferences. Archives of Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine 2007;161(8):792-797.
Prevalence and Specifics of District-wide Beverage Contracts in California’s Largest School Districts: Findings and Recommendations (PDF)
“In light of the increased media, political, and public attention surrounding soft drink sales in public schools, the California Endowment commissioned an examination of this issue in California. This qualitative analysis examines the prevalence and specifics of district-wide contracts with soft drink companies in California’s 25 largest public school districts.”