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The Feasibility of Using "Nudges" in the School Food Environment to Influence Healthy Food Choices at School

Author

Listed:
  • Cullen, Karen
  • Dave, Jayna M.
  • Oceguera, Amanda
  • Thompson, Debbie I.
  • Chen, Tzu-An

Abstract

Every schoolday, over 31 million U.S children eat school lunches. Unfortunately, students often do not choose the healthy options in the cafeteria. This study used formative research to design a behavioral economics-based intervention of “nudges” or cues from the cafeteria (cafeteria staff encouragement, food labels, Harvest of the Month posters), school (morning announcement messages, writing prompts about cafeteria foods), and parents (school newsletter articles, parent listserv messages) to promote student selection of fruit and vegetables in the cafeteria. A pilot study of the intervention was conducted from January to May 2012 in six intervention schools and two control schools. There were no significant differences in the number of servings of fruit and vegetables served per student per day, averaged over the study period. Process data revealed low implementation of the intervention components, which may partially explain results.

Suggested Citation

  • Cullen, Karen & Dave, Jayna M. & Oceguera, Amanda & Thompson, Debbie I. & Chen, Tzu-An, 2013. "The Feasibility of Using "Nudges" in the School Food Environment to Influence Healthy Food Choices at School," Contractor and Cooperator Reports 312402, United States Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Service.
    • Handle: RePEc:ags:uerscc:312402
    DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.312402
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