Disparities in the food environment surrounding US middle and high schools
Public HealthPublished 20 January 2008Open access
Roland Sturm
Citations136
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TL;DR
The easy availability of snacks, sodas and fast food in the immediate vicinity of a school could easily negate school food policies, especially among students who can leave campus, and surrounding food outlets could also lower the effectiveness of health education in the classroom.
Abstract
Easy availability of snacks, sodas and fast food in the immediate vicinity of a school could easily negate school food policies, especially among students who can leave campus. Surrounding food outlets could also lower the effectiveness of health education in the classroom by setting a highly visible example that counters educational messages. There are several clear differences across sociodemographic groups with, arguably, the most pernicious being the location of off-licences. These disparities may represent an important type of environmental injustice for minorities and lower-income youth, with potential adverse consequences for dietary behaviours.
Keywords
Social SciencesMedicineHealth Professions
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