For related articles and more information, please visit OCA’s Health Issues page and our Appetite For a Change page.

There are over 61.5 million children under the age of 14 in the US,1 and for American businesses, these kids represent one of the most powerful demographics to be captured.

Not only do these children spend $40 billion a year on snacks, toys, and electronics, using money given to them by their parents or family members, they also exert a powerful influence on their parents’ spending.

As noted in the documentary film

Consuming Kids, children under 12 influence adult spending worth a staggering $700 billion a year, which equates to the combined economy of 115 of the world’s poorest countries.

The film

also reveals the shrewd business practices of the multi-billion dollar marketing machine that has one sole purpose: to turn your kids into loyal, lifelong consumers who will also influence how the entire family spends its money. 

Much of this money is spent on processed junk foods, which has been overwhelmingly implicated in rising obesity and chronic disease rates-especially among kids.