Marketing to Kids

RWJF Priority: Reduce youths’ exposure to the marketing of unhealthy foods through regulation, policy, and effective industry self-regulation

Unhealthy foods and beverages are heavily marketed to children, and research shows that exposure to food marketing messages increases children’s obesity risk. Food and beverage companies also target African-American and Latino children with more advertising and for products that are less healthy. Some studies suggest that marketing restrictions are among the most powerful and cost-effective interventions available. 

The resources below, from RWJF grantees and partners, explore how food and beverage marketing affects children’s food preferences and their risk for obesity.

More Research and Resources on Food and Beverage Marketing