School Cafeterias Using Psychology to Get Kids to Eat Healthy
Food behavior scientists are exploring ways to help students make healthier decisions.
The USDA recently approved a child nutrition bill that will double the fruit and vegetable offerings at breakfast and lunch this fall.
But will the kids eat it?
Studies show it depends on how it's presented. The USDA is paying $2 million to food behavior scientists to use food-marketing techniques to encourage kids to make healthier choices.
Some of the suggestions include displaying fruits in pretty baskets, having a cash-only policy for desserts and labeling healthy foods with catchy names, like "lean mean greens."
And, schools are taking a cue from restaurants and grocery stores. Dr. Wendy Slusser, a childhood obesity expert, says that studies have shown that "point of decision prompts" are effective.
"You basically have a person, or you have artwork or posters, near the fruit and vegetable bar, where it's suggesting, 'Why don't you take this?'" Slusser said.
