Eating Better for Less: A National Discount Program for Healthy Food Purchases in South Africa

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To examine whether reducing prices for healthy food purchases leads to changes in self-reported measures of food consumption and weight status. METHODS: Repeated surveys of about 350,000 HealthyFood participants and nonparticipants. RESULTS: Program participation is associated with more consumption of fruits/vegetables and whole-grain foods and less consumption of high sugar/salt foods, fried foods, processed meats, and fast food. There is no strong evidence that participation reduces obesity. CONCLUSIONS: A substantial price intervention might be effective in improving diets.