Food consumption habits are essential because they directly influence an individual’s state of health and lifespan. According to Bittman et al., the government’s lack of consistent national food policy is harmful to American citizens, leading to the development of dangerous chronic conditions (870). Moreover, without the presence of unanimity in the US government in regards to the necessary food policy makes it impossible for health improvement to occur. Therefore, Bittman et al. proposed that various positive outcomes could be guaranteed by committing to a national food policy (Bittman et al. 869). The national policy that focuses on the promotion of healthy food can improve the health of millions of American children by using extensive marketing techniques and through mobile applications.
Creative Marketing in Stores
The implementation of national food policy through improved marketing strategies that would endorse creative elements, such as cooking demonstrations in stores and media advertisements, can influence more nutritious food choices. The study conducted by Sutton et al. refers to a program called Nutrition Education and Obesity Prevention that shared marketing strategies to promote healthy eating (1). The further implementation of the strategies suggested that the promotion of fruits and vegetables on billboards and in media advertisements that included nutrition value influenced consumers to buy these products more (Sutton et al. 6). The possible variations of improved marketing can be done by sending a clear message about all potential health benefits an individual gains by consuming fruits and vegetables. Emphasizing the nutrition value, a positive long-term effect of the products, as well as popularizing healthy food options overall can be useful.
It is rather common to see an advertisement for a product made by a specific company, which usually includes fast food brands, soda drinks, chocolate bars, and other types of unhealthy food. The focused marketing is essential for the effective promoting while agricultural products like cucumber and lettuce do not have a specific brand name behind them that can afford it. Therefore, a more balanced food marketing can influence healthier food choices as this type of food will be popularized. Overall, the commercializing of such items is not that common; however, a government-subsidized food policy that incorporates marketing of healthy food will be able to change the ongoing situation.
Another strategy that was proposed by the Nutrition Education and Obesity Prevention program is to integrate live cooking stands into the stores. The idea is that while in the store, individuals can get inspired by a cook incorporating healthy ingredients into the meals to do the same (Sutton et al. 6). Such a technique may be especially useful while integrating younger demographics to consuming healthier food options. Since children are especially attracted to the visuals and smells, such marketing might make them consider trying similar foods at home. Overall, the national food policy that would guarantee improved marketing of healthy eating through media, billboards, and interactive cooking in stores may lead to healthier consumption choices.
Mobile Applications
Furthermore, healthy food marketing can be implemented through mobile apps as a part of the national food policy. A study conducted by Villasana et al. suggests that the promotion of healthier food consumption can be valid through various mobile apps that use gamification and questionnaires (14). Children and young adults are known for spending significant time on electronic devices, which makes the internet ideal place for marketing. Moreover, adding a creative element of completion to increase the level of engagement in children leads to more successful results. The implication of these techniques can vary, including the healthy eating tracker, where young adults may share their healthy eating journey with other peers, inspiring one another to change. Moreover, tracking the consumption of vegetables and fruits might lead to a conscious understanding of the positive effects that such food choices have on a user. Therefore, they can start noticing health improvements along the way of using the application.
Moreover, the implementations of marketing techniques, as opposed to the other suggested by Bittman et al., is more effective as it does not require extensive government spending can be effective (869). Reducing a carbon footprint or changing the way food is produced may be effective; but it requires more significant funding leading to harder implementation. However, Americans are negatively affected by obesity already now; therefore, implementing simple and effective marketing techniques that are focused on the younger demographic can teach Americans healthier habits from an early age. Overall, healthy food marketing through mobile apps can positively affect the consumption habits of young Americans.
Conclusion
To sum up, a national healthy food policy can guarantee marketing through billboards, mass media, and phone applications that can help children learn more about healthy food and its benefits. The marketing on billboards and media can be more effective if the creative and concise way of introducing the food is presented. Moreover, cooking displays in stores can inspire children to try the healthy ingredients used by the cook. Finally, mobile apps can attract young adults to engage in healthier consumption because of the attractive gamification factor. Marketing’s accessibility and effectiveness potentially makes it overall the most prominent positive contributor to the health of the American citizens.
Works Cited
Bittman, Mark, et al. “How a National Food Policy Could Save Millions of American Lives.” Washington Post, 2017, p. 869-874.
Sutton, Katherine, et al. “Healthy Food Marketing and Purchases of Fruits and Vegetables in Large Grocery Stores.” Preventive Medicine Reports, vol. 14, 2019, p. 1-6.
Villasana, María Vanessa, et al. “Promotion of Healthy Nutrition and Physical Activity Lifestyles for Teenagers: A Systematic Literature Review of the Current Methodologies.” Journal of Personalized Medicine, vol. 10, no. 1, 2020, p. 1-17. Web.