Calorie Labeling in a Rural Middle School Influences Food Selection: Findings from Community-Based Participatory Research

Abstract EN

Background.

Calorie labeling at the point-of-purchase in chain restaurants has been shown to reduce energy intake.

Objective.

To investigate the impact of point-of-purchase calorie information at one rural middle school.

Methods.

With a community-based participatory research framework a mixed method approach was used to evaluate the impact of point-of-purchase calorie information.

Students in grades 6–8, dining at the school cafeteria January and February 2010, participated for 17 school days each month; in January a menu was offered in the usual manner without calorie labels; the same menu was prepared in February with the addition of calorie labels at point-of-purchase.

Gross calories served per student were measured each day allowing for matched comparison by menu.

In March/April of 2010, 32 students who ate in the cafeteria 3 or more times per week were interviewed regarding their views on menu labeling.

Results.

Calorie consumption decreased by an average of 47 calories/day; fat intake reduced by 2.1 grams/day.

Five main themes were consistent throughout the interviews.

Conclusion.

Point-of-purchase calorie labels can play a role in reducing the number of calories consumed by middle school age children at the lunch.

The majority of students interviewed found the calorie labels helped them choose healthier food.