Kristen W. Kovach, MPH, Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, University of North Carolina, 308 Rosenau Hall, CB #7440, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7440, N/A, kwood@memphis.edu and Meg Molloy, DrPH, MPH, RD, NC Prevention Partners, NC Institue of Public Health, CB #8165, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599.

School nutritional policies and positive practices can provide the framework for students to develop and practice healthy eating habits. Schools should take responsibility for their actions and the health of their students by establishing guidelines for all foods sold to ensure that every child has the chance for a long, healthy life. The 2003 North Carolina School Foods and Finances Survey was designed to gather information concerning the impact of nutritional policies and practices and supplemental foods in North Carolina school. This cross-sectional study was also designed to determine the financial impact of various forms of vending in schools and to provide insight into the situation regarding nutrition. Results indicated that amount of money made from various forms of vending often added a large percentage of revenue to school nutrition programs. In this sample, sales from a la carte vending ranged from $65,143 to $11,720,553 depending on the district. These large amounts of money often made up a significant percentage of the total yearly sales. The percentages ranged from 12% to 82%, but the average amount was 53%. With numbers like these, it is easy to see why many schools offer these foods to their students. Future efforts must focus not on eliminating the sale of a la carte and other vended foods and beverages, but rather on setting standards for all foods and beverages sold in schools to ensure that vended items are healthy and nutritious for students.

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