A PRICING STRATEGY TO PROMOTE LOW-FAT SNACK CHOICES THROUGH VENDING MACHINES

Objectives. This study examined the role of price on purchases of low- fat snacks from vending machines. Methods. Sales of low-fat and regula r snacks were monitored in nine vending machines during a 4-week basel ine, a 3-week intervention in which prices of low-fat snacks were redu ced 50%, and 3 weeks postintervention. Results. The proportion of low- fat snacks-purchased was 25.7%, 45.8%, and 22.8% in the three periods, respectively. Total snack purchases did not vary by period. Conclusio ns. Reducing relative prices may be effective in promoting lower-fat f ood choices in the population. Vending machines may be a feasible meth od for implementing such nutrition interventions.