Many teenagers apply for jobs at 16 years old, some even younger. Having a job gives teens a freedom that they have not yet experienced, along with having their own money to spend as they please.

Teenagers spend money in many ways; shopping for clothes, buying shoes, or makeup. Most commonly, teenager’s spend their money on food.

In a recent study by Lexington Law, food is the number one ‘item’ being purchased by teens (average age of 16). “Upper-income teens are spending 24% of their cash on food, while teens from average-income homes are spending about 21% on food.”

Many teens are spending their money on “limited-service chains,” restaurants that require only a drive through or counter to order, without the hassle of a waiter/waitress. These dine-and-dash places such as Chick-fil-a and Chipotle are used for a quick and easy meal, as well as the ability to linger and socialize with friends. 

Analyst Nicole Miller Regan says, “Teens are most influenced by taste when it comes to choosing where to eat. Convenience is the second-biggest factor, followed by menu selection. Nutrition was the lowest-ranked attribute.”

Waterford is no exception to these spending habits, and fast food is a popular choice for many students. A poll of 50 students at Waterford High School found that 60 dollars was the average amount of money spent on food in one week. Chili’s was the number one sit-down restaurant, and Chick-fil-a and Chipotle tied for first as a “grab and go.”

Researchers nationwide have recently contributed quite a few resources to find a reason for why teens spending so much on food.

A teenager’s metabolism is not much different than an adults, yet they spend much more energy than an average adult.

Many teens at Waterford are student athletes, playing up to three sports during the school year, as well as club sports. These sports and activities can be tiring, paired with any schoolwork that has to be done when the student goes home.

Due to energy being burnt at practice, athletes tend to stop for food on the way home, as it is a convenient way to satiate their hunger. Pat Livesy, in  states“Athletes Acceleration,”, “Half of your athletes eat fast food a solid three days per week. What’s most amazing is that your female athletes are often the biggest culprits.”

D1-bound soccer player Amarys Jiminez says, “I go out to eat around twice a week. Usually not fast food, but sometimes it is.” Similar to AJ, Harley Mish, a shortstop for Waterford’s baseball team, says that he gets fast food about three times a week, especially during the baseball season.

Along with sports, stopping to grab food with friends can be a great way to socialize. Meeting for food after a school dance, a sporting event, or after a regular day at school can be a way to catch up and enjoy good food.

Senior Sean Kramer says, “I go out to eat with my friends about twice a week.” Kramer is a part of Waterford’s basketball team.

Teenagers are large culprits of fast-food marketing, and the amount of spending on food is predicted to increase in the future.