Abstract
The voice and skills of marketing can be used to help or hinder sound eating habits in children. The authors of this article explore how marketing can be used effectively to modify children's food consumption patterns to introduce more healthful foods into their diets. Research shows that attitudes and behaviors of this generation of children have changed, particularly in how they access and use information. Marketing food to children has both positive and negative consequences on food consumption, behavior, and health. Instead of being part of the problem, families and school nutrition programs can be part of the solution by using and evaluating marketing efforts to influence eating behaviors. Finally, the authors present strategy implications for food and nutrition professionals using or addressing issues involving marketing to children.