Attractive positioning of fruits and veggies influences what
kids eat, researchers find FRIDAY, Feb. 22 (HealthDay News) -- A
few simple and inexpensive changes to school cafeterias can help
encourage children to eat healthier foods at lunch, a new study
finds. The changes included improving the convenience and
attractiveness of fruits and vegetables (such as placing fresh
fruit in nice bowls or tiered stands next to the cash register)
and having cafeteria staff prompt children to choose fruits and
vegetables by asking them questions such as, "Would you like to
try an apple?" The "smarter lunchroom" makeover took no more
than three hours in one afternoon and cost less than $50,
according to the researchers at the Cornell Center for
Behavioral Economics in Child Nutrition Programs, in Ithaca,
N.Y. The program was tested in the cafeterias of two junior-
senior high schools (grades 7 to 12) in western New York. After
the makeover, students were 13 percent more likely to select
fruits and 23 percent more likely to