Most US middle and high schools sell soft drinks, candy and chips to their students. These practices have been widely criticized as contributing to childhood and adolescent obesity. However, a new study followed  approximately 19,450 children from fifth to eight grade. Researchers found the children’s weight gain was not associated with the introduction or the duration of exposure to competitive foods. This did not vary by gender, race/ethnicity or family socioeconomic status. Possible explanations are that children’s food preferences and dietary patterns are firmly established before adolescence. Also, schools are highly structured whereas home life may have more opportunities for snacking. http://www.asanet.org/images/journals/docs/pdf/soe/Jan12SOEFeature.pdf.