Today, CSPI released a comprehensive new report that makes the case that merchandising candy and soda at checkout is undermining Americans' health.  Drawing on psychological research, reports in trade press, and case studies of healthy checkout pilot projects, "Temptation at Checkout: The Food Industry's Sneaky Strategy for Selling More<http://cspinet.org/temptationatcheckout/>" makes the case that the retail environment should be shaped not only by economic drivers but also by public health considerations.

The report explains several key concepts<http://cspinet.org/temptationatcheckout/report-executive-summary.pdf> related to checkout:

*         Placement is a powerful retail marketing technique, which can prompt purchases of unhealthy foods and beverages and create conflict with children.
*         Checkout induces impulse buys.  Although people regularly resist temptation, it becomes harder when willpower reserves are low because people are tired, stressed, or busy with children-or have made a series of shopping decisions in the store (decision fatigue).
*         Checkout sets people up to buy foods and drinks that they didn't plan to purchase.  Given the selection of products at checkout, those purchases are almost exclusively unhealthy.
*         Checkout could promote health, as well as sales.  Placing healthy foods in prominent places increases their visibility, accessibility, and sales.  Stores also can sell non-food items, such as magazines, lip balm, hand sanitizer, and reusable bags.
The report includes recommendations for retailers, food manufacturers, policymakers, health departments, and individuals. The report is the kick-off of a comprehensive checkout campaign to ensure that impulse buys at the front of the store do not undermine health.

Please help us get the word out:

1.       Share the report<http://cspinet.org/temptationatcheckout/>.
2.       Urge Bed Bath & Beyond to stop selling candy at checkout<http://action.cspinet.org/ea-action/action?ea.client.id=1927&ea.campaign.id=40846>.
3.       Join us tomorrow (Tuesday), August 4 from 2-2:45 pm ET (11-11:45 am PT) for a webinar on the report findings and policy recommendations.  Register by clicking here: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/6864813310622951681  Members of the Food Marketing Workgroup and National Alliance for Nutrition and Activity are also invited to an exclusive phone Q&A immediately afterward (2:45-3:30 pm ET).  Join us by calling (877) 423-3010 and using conference code 599-075-3965;
4.       Join us in a tweet chat on Wednesday, August 5 from 1-2 pm ET (10-11 am PT) about the public health effects of checkout by using the hashtag #RethinkCheckout; and
5.       Let us know if you will spearhead a checkout campaign in your community.
Here are some model social media posts.

        Facebook:
These days, @Bed Bath & Beyond's checkout aisles are looking more like #bedbathandcandy. With high rates of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease, the retail environment should be shaped not only by profit but also by public health considerations. Share if you agree that @Bed Bath & Beyond should stick to kitchen gadgets and home goods, and stop pushing candy and soda on shoppers at checkout. #beyondbelief

Click the link to send a message asking Bed Bath & Beyond CEO Steven Temares to stop selling junk food in the stores' checkout aisles: http://bit.ly/1Ddq01B.
[cid:262FBF47C2669E4F9E32CDED0DEE1592@namprd10.prod.outlook.com]

Tweets:
Shame on you, @BedBathBeyond, for pushing candy & soda on shoppers at checkout! #beyondbelief http://bit.ly/1Ddq01B
[cid:76195FF52AA488468B216F8D8D22406A@namprd10.prod.outlook.com]
.@BedBathBeyond<mailto:.@BedBathBeyond>, stick to curtains and pillows (nix the soda & candy)! #bedbathandcandy http://bit.ly/1Ddq01B
[cid:F9213A0D8011ED44B6C4F915F6D1EAC2@namprd10.prod.outlook.com]
Truth in advertising: @BedBathBeyond should be called #BedBathandCandy. http://bit.ly/1Ddq01B

Please let me know ([log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>) if you are able to support any of these efforts.

Sincerely,

Jessica Almy
Senior Nutrition Policy Counsel
Center for Science in the Public Interest
Direct Line: 202.777.8358