Creating an environment in which children in the United States grow up
healthy should be a high priority for the nation. Yet the prevailing pattern
of food and beverage marketing to children in America represents, at best,
a missed opportunity, and at worst, a direct threat to the health prospects
of the next generation. Children's dietary and related health patterns are
shaped by the interplay of many factors—their biologic affinities, their culture
and values, their economic status, their physical and social environments,
and their commercial media environments—all of which, apart from
their genetic predispositions, have undergone significant transformations
during the past three decades. Among these environments, none have
more rapidly assumed central socializing roles among children and youth
than the media. With the growth in the variety and the penetration of the
media have come a parallel growth with their use for marketing, including
the marketing of food and beverage products.
What impact has food and beverage marketing had on the dietary patterns
and health status of American children? The answer to this question
has the potential to shape a generation and is the focus of Food Marketing
to Children and Youth. This book will be of interest to parents, federal and
state government agencies, educators and schools, health care professionals,
industry companies, industry trade groups, media, and those involved
in community and consumer advocacy.Table of Contents


Front Matter
Executive Summary
1 Setting the Stage
2 Health, Diet, and Eating Patterns of Children and Youth
3 Factors Shaping Food and Beverage Consumption of Children and Youth
4 Food and Beverage Marketing to Children and Youth
5 Influence of Marketing on the Diets and Diet- Related Health of Children and Youth
6 Public Policy Issues in Food and Beverage Marketing to Children and Youth
7 Findings, Recommendations, Next Steps
A Acronyms
B Glossary
C Literature Review
Appendix D Chapter 2 Appendix
Appendix E Chapter 4 Appendix
Appendix F Chapter 5 Appendix
Appendix G Chapter 6 Appendix
Appendix H Workshop Program
Appendix I Biographical Sketches of Committee Members and Staff
Index