Using Incentives to Influence Children to Bring Fruit and Vegetables from Home for School Snack

Abstract

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) initiated its Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) in 2002 as part of a broad effort to address poor nutrition and rising obesity rates among children. Previous research in Wisconsin found increased intake due to FFVP; however, even after six months of participating in the program, students did not bring fruit and vegetables from home to eat on days when one was not provided for free through the FFVP. This study investigates whether incentives can influence children to bring fruit and vegetables from home to eat on days when they were not served one for free.