Private-public food brand partnerships: junk for bucks
Processed food brands have steadily marched into our schools. Branded chips, cookies, cereals, and other unhealthy foods—even when they have to be modified to meet USDA guidelines—are more prevalent in our lunchrooms than ever before.
Why?
It’s profitable for both sides.
Kids build brand loyalty early
Brand loyalties can be established as early as age two. By the time children reach school age, most can recognize hundreds of brand logos. School product placement reinforces brand awareness and preference hundreds of times each school year.
Kids drive household purchase decisions
A recent study showed 9 in 10 parents said kids affect purchase decisions. 52% said kids affect the selection of specific brands. Those tasty, colorful junk food brands kids eat at school every day? They want those at home, too.
The partnerships are profitable for schools
Schools need additional revenue sources, but taking money at the expense of student health and academic performance is a poor trade off, at best.
