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Geographic Disparity in Funding for School Nutrition Environments: Evidence from Mississippi Schools
Author(s) -
Chang Yunhee,
Carithers Teresa,
Leeke Shan,
Chin Felicia
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
journal of school health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.851
H-Index - 86
eISSN - 1746-1561
pISSN - 0022-4391
DOI - 10.1111/josh.12361
Subject(s) - socioeconomic status , probit model , business , environmental health , phone , location , school meal , nutrition education , low income , geography , medicine , economic growth , socioeconomics , gerontology , economics , population , linguistics , philosophy , geodesy , econometrics
BACKGROUND Despite the federal initiatives on equitable provision of school nutrition programs, geographic disparity in childhood obesity persists. It may be partly because built‐in school nutrition environments rely on each school's efficient use of existing operational funds or its ability to obtain expanded financial support. This study explores how funding acquisition by schools is determined by local community characteristics and how it relates to healthy school meal offerings. METHODS Information about food preparation technology and funding in 811 schools in Mississippi was obtained by in‐depth phone interviews of district child nutrition directors and school foodservice managers, which was matched to socioeconomic indicators of schools and communities. Probit models were estimated. RESULTS About 56% of schools in the sample received some funds toward combination oven/steamers in the last few years. Small schools, schools in non‐metro counties, and those in low‐income minority areas were significantly less likely to be funded. Obtainment of funds was associated with a 45 percentage‐point reduction in the probability of serving fried foods. CONCLUSIONS Funds obtained by schools for advanced food preparation technology contributes to creation of healthier nutrition environments for children. However, fund availability is associated with community characteristics, possibly contributing to geographic disparity of child health.