Choice Architecture for Promoting Healthy Eating Environments: Cafe NudgeSAT Project

Abstract

To assess the cafeteria environment in three Appalachian high schools assessing flow of students through the lunch-line to determine enhancements or changes to encourage healthy food choices. Observation study of thee Appalachian high schools in West Virginia. An assessment tool was created by adapting research from the Behavioral Economics and Child Nutrition Program (BEN Center) Smarter Lunchrooms. NudgeSAT (Nudge Student Assessment Tool) was composed of 6 different scoring categories that according to BEN make up a smarter lunchroom. Also, flow of the cafeteria was videotaped to observe how students move through the serving areas. Eight components: exterior, hot serving area, cold serving area, salad bar, beverage area, payment station, dining area and grab-n-go (only 2 sites had this option) were each identified with a score (higher score equals more healthier components offered). HS#1 earned 73/128 points (57%), HS#2 earned 59/128 points (46%) and HS#3 earned 53/101 (52%). Each school had a recommendation report based on areas identified for improvement to score higher. Some of these recommendations focused on increasing fresh fruit and vegetable consumption, low-fat white milk, and decreasing consumption of high-fat and high-calorie foods. The NudgeSAT evaluation tool to understand choice architecture is one more novel way to assess the lunchroom environment to encourage smarter lunchroom choices.