An intriguing study from Cornell University found that strategically re-positioning food in school cafeterias is a formidable strategy for encouraging healthier choices.
Healthier, more visible and more "cool" was the idea behind the strategy, which aimed to improve the eating habits of school-aged children.
These findings are the result of six different studies with more than 11,000 middle and high school students. (Source)
Here are some examples of how the changes made a difference;
- In one set of schools, the study found sales of fruit increased by 100 percent, when it was moved to a colorful bowl.
- Salad bar sales tripled when the cart was placed in front of cash registers.
- In other schools, creating a speedy "healthy express" checkout line for students not buying calorie-dense foods, like desserts and chips, doubled the sales of healthy sandwiches.
- Ice cream kept in a freezer with a closed, opaque top, significantly reduced the amount of ice cream taken.
- Moving chocolate milk behind plain milk increased sales of plain milk.
Image credit: packedlunch
