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Effects of Healthier Choices on Kid's Menu: A Difference-in-Differences Analysis

Author

Listed:
  • Li, Shuo
  • McCluskey, Jill J.
  • Mittelhammer, Ron C.

Abstract

This study evaluates the effect of a quick-service restaurant (QSR) strategy which changes de-fault calorie-dense menu items to healthier options on children’ menu consumption behaviors. A series of difference-in-differences (DID) models are estimated to compare sales between treat-ment and control group restaurants in the Washington State. The results do not provide evidence that adding healthier options causes consumers to make healthier diet choices. This negative re-sult suggests that more proactive interdiction is needed to make an impact on childhood obesity. Government policies such as those that require additional, possibly highlighted, information and/or education are likely to have a greater effect.

Suggested Citation

  • Li, Shuo & McCluskey, Jill J. & Mittelhammer, Ron C., 2012. "Effects of Healthier Choices on Kid's Menu: A Difference-in-Differences Analysis," Journal of Food Distribution Research, Food Distribution Research Society, vol. 43(3), November.
  • Handle: RePEc:ags:jlofdr:158986
    DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.158986
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Blog mentions

    As found by EconAcademics.org, the blog aggregator for Economics research:
    1. Dropping soft drinks from kids' menus is good, but doesn't make a healthy meal
      by T Bettina Cornwell, Professor of Marketing at University of Oregon in The Conversation on 2015-04-10 14:47:40

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