Martha Y. Kubik, PhD¹, Leslie A. Lytle, PhD RD², and Mary Story, PhD RD². (1) School of Nursing, University of Minnesota, 6-101 Weaver Densford Hall, 308 Harvard St SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, 612-625-0606, kubik002@tc.umn.edu, (2) Division of Epidemiology, University of Minnesota, 1300 South Second Street, Suite 300, Minneapolis, MN 55454

Health professionals and public health advocates have expressed concern about the nutrition integrity of the present-day school food environment. However, little is know about how parents and teachers feel about the nutrition environment of schools and the role schools should play in fostering healthy eating among children. This study assessed the opinions and beliefs of parents and teachers of middle school students regarding the school food environment. A convenience sample of parents (n=350; response rate: 350/526=66%) and teachers (n =490;response rate: 490/701=70%) of middle school students from 16 schools in the St. Paul-Minneapolis metropolitan area who participated in the Teens Eating for Energy and Nutrition at School study were mailed surveys that included questions about adolescents’ eating practices, food choice at school and school-related food policies and practices. Most parents and teachers agreed that the nutritional health of students should be a school priority. However, only 18% of parents and 31% of teachers believed schools give adequate attention to student nutrition. Among both parents and teachers, 90% agreed that more healthy snacks and beverages should be available in school vending machines and on school a la carte lines. Findings suggest that parents and teachers are concerned about the nutritional health of students and the 'state of health' of the school food environment. Health professionals who work in school settings should actively engage parents and teachers in the process of affecting and monitoring policies and practices that foster a healthy school food environment.

Learning Objectives:

• List school-related factors identified as potential predictors of youth dietary behavior.
• Describe and discuss prevalent attitudes and beliefs of parents and teachers regarding the school food environment.
• Develop a plan for engaging parents and teachers in the process of affecting and monitoring policies and practices that foster a healthy school food environment.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.