Could Behavioral Economics Help Improve Diet Quality for Nutrition Assistance Program Participants?

34 Pages Posted: 17 Jan 2008

See all articles by David R. Just

David R. Just

Cornell University - Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management

Lisa Mancino

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) - Economic Research Service (ERS)

Brian Wansink

Retired - Cornell University

Date Written: June 1, 2007

Abstract

Findings from behavioral and psychological studies indicate that people regularly and predictably behave in ways that contradict some standard assumptions of economic analysis. Recognizing that consumption choices are determined by factors other than prices, income, and information illuminates a broad array of strategies to influence consumers' food choices. These strategies expand the list of possible ideas for improving the diet quality and health of participants in the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Food Stamp Program; the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC); and the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs.

Keywords: behavioral economics, food consumption, obesity, food stamps, National School Lunch Program, nutrition assistance, WIC

Suggested Citation

Just, David R. and Mancino, Lisa and Wansink, Brian, Could Behavioral Economics Help Improve Diet Quality for Nutrition Assistance Program Participants? (June 1, 2007). USDA-ERS Economic Research Report No. 43, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1084548 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.1084548

David R. Just

Cornell University - Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management ( email )

Ithaca, NY
United States
607-255-2086 (Phone)
607-255-9984 (Fax)

Lisa Mancino (Contact Author)

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) - Economic Research Service (ERS) ( email )

355 E Street, SW
Washington, DC 20024-3221
United States
(202) 694-5563 (Phone)

Brian Wansink

Retired - Cornell University ( email )

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