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Children’s Perceptions about Environmental Sustainability, Food, and Nutrition in Chile: A Qualitative Study

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  • Gabriela Fretes

    (Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University, 150 Harrison Avenue, Boston, MA 02111, USA)

  • Amapola Sepúlveda

    (Facultad de Ciencias Sociales, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 6850331, Chile)

  • Camila Corvalán

    (Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology (INTA), University of Chile, Santiago 7830489, Chile)

  • Sean B. Cash

    (Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University, 150 Harrison Avenue, Boston, MA 02111, USA)

Abstract

Food is inextricably linked to human health and environmental sustainability; however, very little is known about children’s perceptions of the concept of sustainability in the context of food choices. We aimed to explore the perceptions of Chilean schoolchildren about environmental sustainability, food, and nutrition. Eight online focus groups were conducted with boys and girls aged 8–9 ( n = 30). Questions related to environmental sustainability, pocket money, and food characteristics such as price, front-of-package (FOP) warning label, and eco-labels were included. Data analysis was conducted using ATLAS.ti through a hybrid content analysis approach. Five central themes were identified: (1) children’s favorite snacks, (2) knowledge of sustainability, (3) sustainability and eco-labels use, (4) healthfulness of food products, and (5) pocket money and food prices. Most children were not aware of the meaning of “environmental sustainability”, but the concept was understood when it was explained in plain language. Participants showed awareness about the environmental impact of their eating behavior, had a positive perception of eco-labels, and identified food with fewer warning labels as “better” options. Results indicate that children understand the concept of sustainability in food if it is communicated clearly, and that eco-labels may be an effective tool in that effort.

Suggested Citation

  • Gabriela Fretes & Amapola Sepúlveda & Camila Corvalán & Sean B. Cash, 2021. "Children’s Perceptions about Environmental Sustainability, Food, and Nutrition in Chile: A Qualitative Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(18), pages 1-14, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:18:p:9679-:d:635570
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Eline Suzanne Smit & Marijn Hendrika Catharina Meijers & Laura Nynke van der Laan, 2021. "Using Virtual Reality to Stimulate Healthy and Environmentally Friendly Food Consumption among Children: An Interview Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(3), pages 1-13, January.
    2. Vlaeminck, Pieter & Jiang, Ting & Vranken, Liesbet, 2014. "Food labeling and eco-friendly consumption: Experimental evidence from a Belgian supermarket," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 108(C), pages 180-190.
    3. Grunert, Klaus G. & Hieke, Sophie & Wills, Josephine, 2014. "Sustainability labels on food products: Consumer motivation, understanding and use," Food Policy, Elsevier, vol. 44(C), pages 177-189.
    4. Tien Ming Lee & Ezra M. Markowitz & Peter D. Howe & Chia-Ying Ko & Anthony A. Leiserowitz, 2015. "Predictors of public climate change awareness and risk perception around the world," Nature Climate Change, Nature, vol. 5(11), pages 1014-1020, November.
    5. John, Deborah Roedder, 1999. "Consumer Socialization of Children: A Retrospective Look at Twenty-Five Years of Research," Journal of Consumer Research, Journal of Consumer Research Inc., vol. 26(3), pages 183-213, December.
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    Cited by:

    1. Beata Gotwald, 2023. "Implications of Pocket Money on Young Clients’ Shopping Decisions– International Comparison," European Research Studies Journal, European Research Studies Journal, vol. 0(2), pages 410-420.
    2. Yingxiu Hong & Abdullah Al Mamun & Mohammad Masukujjaman & Qing Yang, 2024. "Sustainable consumption practices among Chinese youth," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 11(1), pages 1-17, December.

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