Investigation of Advertising and Food Environment Surrounding Primary Schools in New Zealand

The objective of this study is to examine food and beverage advertising and stores around New Zealand (NZ) primary schools.

Food and beverage advertising and stores within 800 m of 18 primary schools in NZ were collected in August 2023. Food and beverage advertising and store characteristics were compared across low (1-3), medium (4-7) and high (8-10) decile schools, reflecting socioeconomic status.

'Non-core' food and beverage advertisements (n = 426, 89%) outnumbered 'core' (n = 53, 11%) with sugar-sweetened beverages (n = 192, 40.1%) the most common category, and Coca-Cola the most common brand (n = 158, 33%, p = 0.033). Food stores were the most common location for food and beverage advertisements (97.1%, p ≤ 0.001). More food and beverage advertisements surrounded low (n = 406, 43%) and medium (n = 208, 43.4%) decile schools, with low-decile schools having more nearby advertisements (0-400 m) (n = 111, 57.5%). The most common food and beverage stores near schools were local fast-food (44.7%) and convenience stores (24.2%). Store type varied by school decile, with more convenience stores (51.9%) and fast-food chains (81.3%) near low-decile schools.

'Non-core' food and beverage advertising, local fast-food, fast-food chains and convenience stores were prevalent surrounding primary schools, particularly low and medium-decile schools. SO WHAT?: These findings highlight high levels of exposure to unhealthy food and beverage advertising and food stores, especially surrounding schools within low and medium socioeconomic areas.