Once again, food researcher Brian Wansink is uncovering important information about the way we eat – how much and what types of food – and now how payment method affects food choices. He found that American kids are more likely to buy fruits and vegetables when paying with cash and more likely to buy desserts when using a debit card.
I wonder if this translates for adults when eating out, especially in cafeteria-type settings.
After reading this I immediately thought I’d just send cash for hot lunch, but I don’t know if they even allow cash at my kids’ school. Parents are encouraged to put money on their kids’ accounts through the web – even sending a check is discouraged these days. Applying Wansink’s study results, it seems kids would think even less about their food choices when the money comes from an account they don’t see. They don’t even swipe a card!
In an effort to find ways to teach Americans to make healthier food choices and lower health risks, Wansink has some great ideas. He suggests putting cookies/treats behind the cashier so kids have to ask for it. He found that kids are up to 50% less likely to get a cookie when it’s set up this way. Another idea is to require cash payment for less healthy food items, and allow debit cards for fruit/vegetables purchases.
We need to keep thinking of and implementing creative ideas like these to improve health and lower risks for all!