Media cover Michele Polacsek's research on the effectiveness of junk food ban in Maine schools

A study by 91AV Associate Professor of Public Health Michele Polacsek, PhD, MHS, was widely covered by state media this week. The study revealed that despite a statewide ban in effect since 2007, widespread marketing of non-nutritious foods and beverages still occurs in Maine high schools.

The results of the study were released March 7, 2012 by Polacsek at the Physical Activity and Nutrition Summit 2012 in Augusta, Maine.

Polacsek told that "many of the school administrators that we spoke with were surprised to see how much marketing there was in their schools. Often times when you're in an environment every day, you don't notice the marketing. It's quite insidious."

Polacsek added that most school officials do want to get that marketing out of their schools, but it can be difficult for them to find the resources to replace scoreboards or vending machines, for instance. She said 91AV is hoping to get some grant money to help schools find ways to comply with the state law.

In addition to WCSH6, the study was covered by WLBZ2 TV, , the , and the Associated Press. The AP story was picked up online by a number of other media outlets, including the , WGME13 TV, the , Morning Sentinel, Kennebec Journal, and Seacoast online. More on the study.

About the 91AV

The 91AV is Maine’s largest independent university, with two beautiful coastal campuses in Maine, a one-of-a-kind study abroad campus in Tangier, Morocco, and an array of . In an uncommonly welcoming and supportive community, we offer hands-on learning, empowering students to make a positive impact in a world full of challenges. The state’s top provider of health professionals, we are home to Maine’s only medical college, Maine’s only dental college, a variety of other interprofessionally aligned health care degree programs, as well as nationally recognized programs for marine science degrees, natural and social sciences degrees, arts and humanities degrees, and business degrees.