Vending machine practices in Louisiana high schools

Purpose and Objectives The purpose of this study was to determine the presence and regulation of vending machines in Louisiana high schools, type of foods in the machines, and the relationship between the number of vending machines and student participation in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP). Methods Foodservice directors of the Louisiana high school that participate in the NSLP were interviewed by telephone to obtain information about the number of vending machines in their respective schools, the types of foods offered in vending machines, times of operation, who profits from vending sales, and demographic data. The 90 high schools that participated (76% participation rate) were divided into two groups, large urban and small rural, based on student enrollment. Results All the urban schools and all but six of the rural schools offered vending services to students. The number of vending machines for student use in the schools ranged from 1 to 25. Urban schools had more vending machines than rural schools (7±5 vs. 3±2, p < 0.05). The larger urban schools also had a greater variety of vending items and less participation in the NSLP than the smaller rural schools (65+13% vs. 77+12%, p < 0.05). The most popular items offered in the vending machines included carbonated beverages, water, candy, and chips, all of which are considered low nutrient-density foods. A majority of the schools deposited the funds raised from vending operations into a general fund. Applications to Child Nutrition Professionals Strict federal guidelines are needed for vending machines in school systems. Federal nutrition standards, which limit fat and sugar content, should be established for food items sold in school vending machines. Foodservice directors should advocate for policies that offer more nutritious foods in vending operations.