Abstract
To understand the middle school eating environment, an assessment was conducted in 20 randomly selected schools to determine the availability of foods and beverages to children during lunch. A total of 363 foods and beverages were identified among the 20 schools in vending machines, school canteens (eg, school stores), and in the school cafeteria serving lines. Extensive choices of foods and beverages of low nutritional value available during lunch competed with more nutritious school meals. School districts should consider adopting policies and standards for all foods and beverages available in schools.