0
0
A new study published in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior explores how the food choice values of parents impact their children’s eating behaviors in restaurants. Focused on low-income families who frequently dine out, the research sheds light on the factors influencing children’s meal decisions, with potential implications for public health efforts aimed at encouraging healthier eating habits at restaurants.
The study surveyed 1,146 low-income parents with children aged 2 to 11, using latent class analysis to categorize parents based on their food priorities, such as convenience, taste, and nutrition. The data, collected between November 2020 and February 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic, revealed how varying parental values shape children’s food choices.
According to Dr. Megan P. Mueller, senior author of the study and a researcher at the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition at Colorado State University, “We found distinct parental value systems that influenced children’s choices in restaurants. For example, children of parents who prioritized convenience and disliked cooking were significantly less likely to order healthy entrees compared to others.”
The study identified three distinct parent groups: hassle-free consumers, indulgent consumers, and multifaceted consumers. Hassle-free consumers, who valued convenience and avoided cooking at home, were found to have children who were much less likely to select healthy meals, often opting for fast food staples like burgers and pizza. Indulgent consumers, who prioritized taste, made healthier choices more frequently than the hassle-free group but still leaned toward indulgent options. Finally, multifaceted consumers, who valued a balance of nutrition, local sourcing, and food safety, were more likely to choose balanced meals for their children but still faced challenges due to the limited healthier options available on restaurant menus.
While multifaceted consumers showed the highest likelihood of choosing healthy meals for their children, the research indicates that across all parent groups, children were still less likely to opt for meals with healthier entrées, sides, and beverages. This reflects the types of foods commonly available on restaurant menus, which often prioritize indulgent and convenience-driven options over nutritious alternatives.
The findings suggest a need for tailored public health interventions that take into account the diverse food choice values of parents. For example, campaigns could target specific parent groups with strategies that resonate with their priorities. Hassle-free consumers might respond to promotions highlighting the convenience of healthy meals, while indulgent consumers could be offered innovative menu items that appeal to their taste preferences while reducing calories and unhealthy ingredients. Multifaceted consumers, who are more health-conscious, could benefit from increased access to local, sustainable, and nutritious food options.
Dr. Mueller also noted the significant impact of parental stress and food insecurity on eating behaviors. “These factors were closely linked to less healthy eating habits in restaurants,” she said. “Public health strategies targeting both parents’ experiences and food values could be an effective way to promote healthier eating habits in children.”
The study emphasizes the importance of considering parental food choice values in designing public health campaigns that promote healthier eating in restaurants. With more than 1,000 low-income families participating in the study, these findings have the potential to inform future interventions aimed at improving children’s eating behaviors in the face of complex societal challenges.
For more information, the full study is available in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior (DOI: 10.1016/j.jneb.2024.07.011).
