An Assessment of the Food and Physical Activity Environment on a University Campus

Abstract

Large percentages of college students are reported to be overweight and sedentary and do not consume the recommended amounts of fruits and vegetables. These outcomes can be influenced by the students’ environment. The purpose of this study was to determine the level of healthfulness and environmental supports on Rutgers University’s Cook Campus (RU)—one of the five Rutgers campuses—by examining campus food and physical activity environment, and related policies. As a part of the nationwide Get Fruved study on over 90 college/university campuses, the Healthy Campus Environmental Audit (HCEA) instrument was used to assess dining establishments, vending machines, recreational environment, and policies at RU. RU scores were compared to the original scales and to the average of the other Get Fruved universities/colleges. RU’s healthfulness scores for dining halls/cafeterias, recreational environment, vending machine supports, and stimulants policy were on the higher end of the scales and above the averages of other Get Fruved schools. However, RU’s scores indicated limited healthfulness in fast-food/sit-down restaurants; walking/biking supports; availability of healthy snacks and beverages in vending machines; healthy eating policies; and policies encouraging physical activity and chronic disease prevention. This study identified the strengths and weaknesses in RU’s campus environment and in RU’s policies for healthy eating and active living. These results can be used to support a healthier campus environment.