Food Marketing to Kids (and what you can do about it)
The American Academy of Pediatrics estimates that children are subject to a staggering seven hours of media each day in the form of television, computers, phones, and electronic devices. Personally, in our household, screen time is very much limited. But lets be honest, no matter how much you try to shield your kids from screens and everything that goes along with them, it’s virtually (pardon the pun) impossible.
The issue at hand here is not how much they're watching television or playing on their iPhone; it's the marketing that’s being shoved in their faces during most waking hours--in particular, food marketing to kids.
What Studies Show
The Center for Science in the Public Interest reviewed 28 hours of Nickelodeon programming last October (2012) and noted that of the food ads shown, 69% were for items of poor nutritional value (sugary cereals, candy/fruit snacks, flavored yogurt, fast food, etc.). And in total, according to The Food Marketing Workgroup, the junk-food industry spends almost $2 billion a year on marketing to young people.
The concerns are many when it comes to marketing to kids, especially when considering the ever increasing obesity rates. Jessica Castonguay, a Doctoral Candidate in Communications at the University of Arizona, recently participated in a study assessing whether childhood obesity is linked to clever marketing tactics. “Unfortunately our study found that health messages are frequently used to advertise foods that are not particularly healthy,” she says of their findings. “Implying that a cereal gives kids the energy to make them better athletes, despite the fact that it has more than 10 grams of sugar per serving, seems misleading. I want children to learn the difference between truly healthy choices and occasional treats. My fear is that advertisers are blurring those lines.”
We all know that marketing tactics and words can be confusing, even as educated adults. The words “natural,” “real,” “whole grain,” or “whole wheat” are just some of the terms that get used in various contexts. If we have a tough time wading our way through the terms, how in the world can we expect kids to have any luck?
Studies have shown that food advertising can contribute to numerous health problems, including being overweight, which, by the way, has increased to 35% of children aged 6-11. Even on a day-to-day basis, it’s just plain annoying to have kids ask for foods and products they see on TV that they’d otherwise not know about, ones that many of us try to steer them away from as best as we can. And since we’re talking about it, how cool would it be to see advertisements for vegetables or fruits coupled with a kid-known celebrity or cartoon character (hint-hint, Ad Council)?
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That looks mouth watering delicous!
It is so good!! I worked at the Chop House many years ago as well! Love knowing you’re from here!
I can’t help but notice the lack of garlic in your recipe. I’m going to have to disagree with your claim it is the “best-ever” based on that fact. Otherwise, it looks like a fantastic recipe that I will probably try this weekend when we grill.
Any preference on the parsley? Flat leaf or curly leaf? Looks delicious!
Hi Andrea. For more flavor, flat is the way to go.
What brand of lemon pepper seasoning do you recommend? I have come to realized (by reading the labels) that lemon pepper has added sugar as well as other added things. Just trying to find a decent lemon pepper seasoning.
Hi there. I use Simply Organic but it does have a little sugar. You can find ones without sugar, however.
How could I make this without a food processor?
Hi. You can just soften the butter and very finely cut the parsley.
I found this recipe last night and rushed out to buy the missing ingredients in my kitchen. Just wondering… how many does this serve? I may have my answer shortly and will let you know as I am getting ready to make it!
Wait! Just saw that it serves 4!