USDA Announces Research Awards for Child Nutrition

USDA announced "a series of research awards for behavioral economics research to improve nutrition and health outcomes" in child nutrition programs.

Child Nutrition Programs, including the National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, Summer Food Service Program, Child and Adult Care Food Program, and Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program include "over 31 million children who eat school lunch and 11 million who eat school breakfast each school say.  The research "can suggest practical, cost-effective ways that the school environment can better support healthful choices."

The first award establishes the Cornell Center for Behavioral Economics in Child Nutrition Programs.  Three "awards were also made for studies that will test the effectiveness of behavioral economics-based strategies in improving the food choices of children participating in USDA school meal programs."  Additionally the awards include "11 small-scale developmental grants to enhance research capacity in the application of behavioral economic strategies and interventions to child nutrition programs."

To read the USDA News Release, click here.

Posted: 10/14/2010