According to a 2008 report by the Federal Trade Commission, the largest food and beverage companies spend approximately $185 million on advertising to kids in schools. From display ads for soft drinks on vending machines to fast-food logos on book covers and sports scoreboards, students are often surrounded at school by promotions for unhealthy foods. While these ads can bring much-needed revenue to cash-strapped schools, they also promote unhealthy food choices and compromise the educational environment of the school setting.

NPLAN recently released two model school district policies to address food and beverage advertising on school grounds:

• District Policy Restricting the Advertising of Food and Beverages Not Permitted to be Sold on School Grounds
• District Policy Restricting Food and Beverage Advertising on School Grounds

We also have developed a fact sheet on restricting advertising in schools and a legal memo on the First Amendment implications of restricting advertising in schools. Parents, school officials, and advocates may download and use these materials for free.