Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) nutrition policies: Development, implementation, and impact

Problem. Poor dietary habits, rising rates of overweight students, and lack of oversight of vending contracts prompted the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) to develop and implement two of the most comprehensive nutrition policies in the country. The Healthy Beverage Resolution and Obesity Prevention Motion limit the types of and access to beverages and snacks on school campuses.; Methods. This study used qualitative and quantitative methods to document the development, implementation, and impact of the LAUSD nutrition policies. Interviews were conducted with 15 District and school staff and documents were collected to detail the development and implementation of the policies. Questionnaires were administered to 397 twelfth grade students and 102 staff in two LAUSD high schools to determine their knowledge of the policies, perceptions of the impact of the policies on student dietary behaviors, and attitudes towards the policies and the school nutrition environment.; Findings. A group of school community stakeholders collaborated on developing the Healthy Beverage Resolution and Obesity Prevention Motion. However, students and parents were not involved in developing the policies resulting in a lack of buy-in. Policies were implemented by restricting the ordering and selling of unapproved foods. Loss of revenue from snack sales, which is used for student activities, was a top concern. Dissemination of and compliance with the policies are areas, which need further development.; Most students and staff were aware of both policies with staff having more favorable attitudes towards the policies. Few students and less than half of the staff believe their school environment helps students eat healthy. Both students and staff indicated the policies impacted the beverages and snacks students consumed at school, but did not have an impact at home or outside of school. Many students skip lunch or leave campus and eat fast food. Both students and staff reported that students bring banned foods to school and students and staff still sell these items.; Conclusions. Removing unhealthy food items from schools may not be enough to improve student dietary behaviors. Policies need to be part of a multi-component, coordinated approach, which includes nutrition education, physical education, and parental involvement.