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Improving healthy eating in children: Experimental evidence

Author

Listed:
  • Gary Charness

    (University of California, Santa Barbara)

  • Ramón Cobo-Reyes

    (Amercian University of Sharjah)

  • Erik Eyster

    (University of California, Santa Barbara)

  • Gabriel Katz

    (University of Exeter and Universidad Catolica del Uruguay)

  • Ángela Sánchez

    (NYU Abu Dhabi)

  • Matthias Sutter

    (Max Planck Institute Bonn, University of Cologne, University of Innsbruck, IZA Bonn)

Abstract

We present a field experiment to study the effects of non-monetary incentives on healthy food choices of 282 children in elementary schools. Previous interventions have typically paid participants for healthy eating, but this often may not be feasible. We introduce a system where food items are graded based on their nutritional value, involving parents or classmates as change agents by providing them with information regarding the food choices of their children or friends. We find parents’ involvement in the decision process to be particularly beneficial in boosting healthy food choices, with very strong results that persist months after the intervention.

Suggested Citation

  • Gary Charness & Ramón Cobo-Reyes & Erik Eyster & Gabriel Katz & Ángela Sánchez & Matthias Sutter, 2020. "Improving healthy eating in children: Experimental evidence," ECONtribute Discussion Papers Series 047, University of Bonn and University of Cologne, Germany.
    • Handle: RePEc:ajk:ajkdps:047
    as

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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Healthy eating; children; parents; non-monetary incentives; field experiment;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C93 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Field Experiments
    • I12 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health Behavior

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