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Changing Dietary Habits Early in Life: A Field Experiment with Low-Income Families

Author

Listed:
  • Michèle Belot

    (CU - Cornell University [Ithaca, NY, USA])

  • Noémi Berlin

    (EconomiX - EconomiX - UPN - Université Paris Nanterre - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique)

  • Jonathan James

    (University of Bath [Bath])

  • Valeria Skafida

    (The University of Edinburgh)

Abstract

We evaluate the malleability of dietary habits early on in life with two interventions targeting low-income families with very young children. The interventions were conducted over twelve weeks and evaluated with a field experiment involving 285 families. Families in the treatment groups were asked to either prepare healthy meals with ingredients delivered to their door, or to avoid snacking and eat at regular times. We find that both interventions decreased children's Body Mass Index (BMI) relative to the control group. The effect persisted for three years for the first intervention, but faded away for the second.

Suggested Citation

  • Michèle Belot & Noémi Berlin & Jonathan James & Valeria Skafida, 2024. "Changing Dietary Habits Early in Life: A Field Experiment with Low-Income Families," Post-Print hal-04647948, HAL.
    • Handle: RePEc:hal:journl:hal-04647948
    DOI: 10.1086/732126
    Note: View the original document on HAL open archive server: https://hal.science/hal-04647948v1
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Alwyn Young, 2019. "Channeling Fisher: Randomization Tests and the Statistical Insignificance of Seemingly Significant Experimental Results," The Quarterly Journal of Economics, President and Fellows of Harvard College, vol. 134(2), pages 557-598.
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    1. Berlin, Noémi & Jaber-Lopez, Tarek & Sarr, Moustapha, 2025. "The effect of social norms on parents’ beliefs and food choices: Evidence from a lab-in-the-field experiment," Journal of Behavioral and Experimental Economics (formerly The Journal of Socio-Economics), Elsevier, vol. 119(C).

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