Identifying Associations Between Format and Placement of School Salad Bars and Fruit and Vegetable Selection

Purpose/Objectives Children do not consume the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables (FV). Salad bars in schools increase FV consumption in children, but their effect may be strengthened by modifying their placement and reinforcing their impact by using appropriate health promoting practices. The objective of the study was to determine associations between format and placement of salad bars and the amount of FV selected from salad bars. Methods The study was descriptive with a cross-sectional design. Eligible schools were 1,953 public elementary schools (K-6 grades) that contracted with a national vendor from 34 states in all regions (West, Midwest, South, and Northeast) of the United States including both urban and rural areas. Elementary school nutrition staff completed a survey on salad bar format and placement, and reported type and amount of FV selected from salad bars for one week based on school food service records. Data collection occurred during Spring 2012. Results The final usable sample was 606 elementary schools representing 137 school districts in 26 states. The mean FV selected from salad bars per school lunch was 0.70 cup (SD = 0.30). The amount of FV selected from salad bars per school lunch differed significantly by salad bar format [t (604) = -3.610, p < 0.001], visibility of salad bars [F (2, 378) = 6.89, p = 0.001], and the number of salad bar items offered at least once during the week [F (3, 601) = 5.54, p = 0.001]. Application to Child Nutrition Professionals The study demonstrates salad bars may be a way to encourage students to select the required 0.50 cup of FV as required by the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010. In addition, standalone salad bars may be more visible and serve as a cue or trigger to choose salads as compared to salad bars incorporated into the lunch line. Schools could take steps to increase the visibility of salad bars as children enter the cafeteria and consider offering approximately 12-14 different salad bar items during the week.