Marketing Junk Food Still Prevalent in Schools

Exposure to junk food is still a problem in schools, according to a study published online this week in JAMA Pediatrics. Researchers analyzed questionnaires completed by school administrators as part of the Food and Fitness study and the Youth, Education, and Society study. Profits from vending machines, advertising, and fast-food options in schools all increased from 2007 to 2012. The majority of elementary school students attended schools that used products like pizza as rewards, and almost one-third of high school students were offered fast food in the cafeteria at least once per week. Researchers stress the dangers of these methods and call for higher standards for nutritional content in school marketing.