School meal program participation was associated with reduced prevalence of nutrient inadequacy but with increased prevalence of excessive sodium intakes.

In school year 2004-2005, competitive foods were widely available and consumed in US public schools. The most commonly consumed competitive foods and beverages were low in nutrients and energy-dense. On average, children who consumed competitive foods took in more than 175 calories that were low...

The study found that more than 85 percent of schools offered reimbursable lunches that met USDA standards for key target nutrients—protein, vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron—but none of the schools served lunches that met the sodium benchmark, and only one in three served...

Limiting children’s access to low-nutrient, energy-dense foods at school may hold promise as a tactic for reducing children’s total calorie intake and controlling BMI.

There is no evidence that either the school breakfast or lunch program is contributing to rising rates of childhood obesity. In fact, participation in the breakfast program may be a protective factor, with lower body mass index among participants, by encouraging students to consume breakfast on...

At schools, consumption of energy from low-nutrient, energy-dense foods may be reduced by limiting access to competitive foods and beverages, enforcing strong school wellness policies, and minimizing the frequency of offering french fries and similar potato products and higher-fat baked goods in...

Removing sugar-sweetened beverages from school food stores and snack bars, improving a la carte choices, and reducing the frequency of offering french fries merit testing as strategies to reduce energy from low-nutrient, energy-dense foods at school.