The CDC released in a report on Tuesday that more can be done to improve children's access to healthy food choices.
Throughout the United States, 32 states and the District of Columbia scored below the national average according to an index which measures the proportion of food sold by retailers that is healthy.
"Childhood obesity has tripled over the past 30 years," said CDC Director Thomas Frieden, M.D., M.P.H., in a press release.
He added, "This report underscores the need to make healthier choices easier for kids and more accessible and affordable for parents."
The states that scored low on the measuring index, called the Modified Retail Food Environment Index, or the mRFEI, typically had a higher proportion of fast food restaurants and convenience stores.
The average score was 10, with exceptional states having scores as high as 16, such as Montana and 15 in Maine. Some states scored as low as 5, such as Rhode Island.
The report also revealed that forty-nine percent of middle and high schools allowed the advertising of unhealthy food.
Currently, the CDC funds 23 state and territorial education agencies to implement school health programs.
