Peer Influence to Promote Participation in After-School Meal Programs

Policy Context

In partnership with No Kid Hungry, this project investigates whether peer influence can be used to promote participation in afterschool meal programs at 16 schools in the United States.

Study Design

Researchers vary whether or not 3-5% of the student body in a given school receives incentives to spread the word about the availability of free meals afterschool. Students receive monetary and in-kind incentives for referring others to stay afterschool and eat a meal — exploiting the power of peer influence to promote a positive behavior.

Results and Policy Lessons

Results forthcoming.