Regulations governing the NSLP and SBP prohibit the sale of foods of minimal nutritional value in the school food service area during meal periods. However, these foods can be sold in other areas of the school at any time. For example, soft drinks cannot be sold in the cafeteria during meal times, but they can be sold during meal times in other areas of the school, including immediately outside the cafeteria area. Limited data are available regarding the extent, type, and nutrient content of competitive foods in schools. In contrast, children who drank soft drinks, juice, tea, or fruit juice at lunch did not meet their daily calcium recommendations.
School meals are an important source of calcium for children.
The issue is not whether schools have vending machines, snack bars, school stores, or cafeteria a la carte items, but rather what foods are available to students. Limiting high fat, low nutrient foods and expanding food selections in these settings to include more healthful choices such as low fat dairy products, fruits, and vegetables can help reinforce a total school environment conducive to healthful eating habits.