Research: Non-Commercialism Policy - Center for Public Health Nutrition, University of Washington

Activities:

Impact of a Non-Commercialism Policy in Seattle Schools
Investigators	Donna Johnson (PI)
Project Dates	9/02-5/05
Project Summary	This pilot study was developed to evaluate the impact the Seattle School Board's November 2001 decision to restrict commercial advertising in Seattle Public Schools. The policy is intended to decrease commercialism by reducing the students’ exposure to advertising and other marketing pressures, including those from commercial food vendors. Student focus groups were conducted at two high schools in Fall 2002. Analysis of the focus groups indicated that students have good knowledge of recommendations for nutrition and physical activity but face attitudinal, environmental, and policy barriers to adopting recommended behaviors. Student surveys were conducted in the fall and spring of 2004 and 2005 to measure changes in the students' attitudes, intentions, and behaviors related to nutrition and physical activity.
Future Directions	Additional funding is being sought to continue to study the impact of school nutrition policies.
Reports & Publications	Results will be published in 2006.
Resources	Seattle School Board Policy on Advertising and Commercial Activities (PDF)
Funding	National Institute of Health