Product Placement and Packaging ‘Nudge’ People to Increase Healthful Food Selection in Food Pantries

17 May 2016 --- In a new study published in the Journal of Public Health, Auburn University and Cornell University researchers found that product placement and packaging had a significant impact on what clients selected in a New York State food pantry.

Grocery stores and cafeterias successfully nudge selection of target foods, but can this same strategy be used to encourage food pantry clients to select target healthful foods? 

"Food pantries offer a unique opportunity to nudge those most at risk of hunger to select more nutrient-dense foods," explains lead author Norbert Wilson, PhD, Auburn University. "Introducing easy low-cost target marketing strategies is a way to do this without taking away choice."

The study was conducted by Dr Wilson; Dr David Just, PhD; PhD candidate Jeffery Swigert, and Dr Brian Wansink, PhD, Director of the Cornell Food and Brand Lab and author of ‘Slim by Design: Mindless Eating Solutions for Everyday Life.’

The researchers observed a total of 443 clients visiting the pantry over 4 days. Protein bars were included in the dessert section along with cakes, brownies, pies and pastries. 

In this section, the bars were the most nutrient-rich foods so the researchers made two small changes to nudge selection: First, they placed the bars at the start of the dessert line so that clients would see them first. This increased bar selection by about 46%. Second, they kept the bars in their original packaging instead of repacking the individually wrapped bars in clear plastic wrap, which increased selection by about 59%. 

Each change alone increased selection of the bars. They were more popular when the protein bars were placed first in the dessert line and kept in original packaging.

"While food pantry organizers receive a mix of products, some more healthy than others, this study shows that they can help nudge clients to select those foods that are on the healthier side by making them more convenient – placing them first in line – and appealing – keeping them in the original packaging," concludes co-author Dr Wansink.