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.