Bozeman High School

Bozeman, Montana

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Categories	Limit student access to competitive foods; Adopt marketing techniques to promote healthful choices; Nutrition policies and standards; Make more healthful foods and beverages available; Influence food and beverage contracts
Problem Overview	1,800 students in the Gallatin Valley just north of Yellowstone National Park 7 percent of students eligible for free and reduced-price school meals
Program/Activity Description	In spring 2002, a local dietitian asked the school board to modify the exclusive vending contract (scheduled to be re-bid in July 2002) to improve access to, and promotion of, nutritious beverage options. In July, the district awarded a 3-year exclusive contract to a local distributor with the stipulation that the issue would be brought back to the board to discuss ways to better promote nutritious beverages in the vending machines. Throughout the 2002-2003 school year, local nutritionists, physicians, parents, business owners, and community members educated the board on health concerns related to excessive consumption of carbonated soft drinks by using USDA’s Changing the Scene and NASBE’s Fit, Healthy, and Ready to Learn. The local newspaper, the Bozeman Chronicle, ran several articles on the problem of childhood obesity, health consequences related to obesity, and current eating habits of Americans. After much debate about the fiscal ramifications, the administration decided that it was not reasonable for the school district to engage in the sale of carbonated soft drinks to students. At the March 2003 school board meeting, the superintendent recommended that the nutrition policy be revised to eliminate the sale of carbonated soft drinks to students. The beverages in question would not be banned from campus but would not be sold during the school day. They could continue to be sold at school sporting events and other activities after school hours. The school board voted five to three to accept the recommendation, as a resolution. There were not sufficient votes to pass a new policy. The issue applies only to Bozeman High School; the school district has never allowed carbonated soft drinks to be available to kindergarten through 8th grade students. The resolution, adopted by the school board on March 24, 2003, called for the “elimination of the sale of carbonated beverages to students during the school day and that administration procedures be developed to promote the availability of foods that are both healthy and appealing to the student consumer.” As of the start of the 2003-2004 school year, all vending machines are stocked with some nutritious beverages and all signs on the machines promote lower-sugar options. Only nutritious beverages are sold in the student-run store.
Program/Activity Outcome	As of September 2003 carbonated soft drinks are not sold during the school day in vending machines or the student-run store. All vending signs promote the more nutritious beverages that are in the machines. Water, fruit juice, sports drinks, and bottled teas have replaced carbonated soft drinks in the vending machines. The cafeteria vending machines also sell flavored milk and nutrient-rich food items such as fruit, bagels, yogurt, string cheese, and sack lunches. The student store now sells healthier items such as locally produced bagels, beef jerky, and drinks such as water, fruit juice, and sports drinks. It is too early to assess the effects of these changes on beverage vending sales. Food vending sales in the cafeteria are increasing slowly; yogurt, milk, and small sandwiches are outpacing all other choices. Most sales occur before noon each day. Anecdotal reports suggest that students are reducing their soft drink consumption. Teachers have also reported that students seem calmer and more attentive. Additional data collection will be needed to verify these observations.
Story Highlights	Keys to Success: Concerned citizens: Parents, health professionals, community members, and a school board willing to address and discuss the “health versus profits” and “personal choice” issues related to the sale of non-nutritious beverages in schools Media coverage: A local newspaper willing to cover the story in depth and to publish national wire-service stories on the issue throughout the year Supportive administration: School administrators willing to back changes in vending and student store offerings Flexible vendors: A beverage vendor willing to allow the school board and administration to change what was sold in the machines, even with an existing, exclusive vending contract Future Plans: Addition of a “snack food cart” with nutritious lunchtime options for students who choose not to go to the cafeteria Development of a nutrition advisory council to address food-related issues at all the schools in the district Future training for the school staff on nutrition education and “best practices” concerning school nutrition policies and practices
Words of Wisdom	"When school administrators and community members focus on what is the best thing for kids’ health and well-being, solutions to financial demands can be met and new educational opportunities are created." — Katie Bark, Parent and Montana Team Nutrition Coordinator
Program Contact	Michael Redburn

Page last reviewed: February 27, 2013
Page last updated: February 27, 2013
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