Applying behavioral economics research to improving children's food choices at school

Abstract

The objective of USDA's behavioral economics-child nutrition research initiative is to improve the food choices American children make at school as participants in USDA's National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs. These programs serve over 31 million children each school day, more than half of them low-income. With school meals providing as much as 47% of the day's intake for participating children, healthy food choices at school could have a powerful impact on their overall diet. USDA and schools across the nation are taking steps to provide school meals with more fresh fruits and vegetables and other healthful foods. Yet these foods are not always consumed. Behavioral economics suggests practical, cost-effective ways to support healthful choices. For example, impulsivity may undermine intention to choose healthful foods, but using a pre-paid card that only allows purchase of healthy options can effectively curb impulsivity and improve choices. USDA is supporting applied behavioral economics research with direct translation to school food choice behavior by funding the Cornell Center for Behavioral Economics in Child Nutrition Programs to conduct, sponsor, and disseminate such research, and through a number of research awards to university-based researchers. USDA will monitor findings from funded research and their dissemination, adoption, and success in nutrition program settings.