Marketers using characters to promote “not-very nutritious” foods in grocery stores.
A new study released by Yale shows that marketers are using characters, athletes and toys/games to entice children to purchase their food products.
Here is what the study found:
- Foods that were not very healthy or had a lower nutritional value had more kids’ marketing on their packaging
- 71% of packaging involved licensed characters, with 57% of those aimed at children younger than 12 years of age
- other kinds of promotions, such as athletes, sporting events, toys and games, increased from 5% of the total in 2006 to 53% in 2008
Are we surprised by this? We know and marketers know that kids are attracted to visual cues that are fun and colorful. Using characters and games appeals to kids. We were kids once, we know this!
This is why we have to fight FUN with FUN! Nutrition games and characters that represent nutrition is one way to engage children and keep their attention so they enjoy learning. We don’t mind doing things that are fun and kids are the same.
Join us in spreading the word to other parents and schools that nutrition is fun. Let’s work together to introduce kids to characters that promote healthy eating and help put more FUN into nutrition.
Free Resources:
Chef Solus and the Explorers Nutrition Stories
Fun Nutrition- Kids’ Food Pyramid Games
