Challenges in promoting fruits and vegetables for obesity prevention

Abstract

The rural states of the Lower Mississippi Delta lead the nation in rising prevalence of obesity in adults and children. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends promoting fruit and vegetables (F&V) to children as a means of lowering the risks of obesity. This paper describes challenges found in F&V promotion to improve overall diet quality and prevent obesity.. The willingness to try new fruits and vegetables was promoted through a fresh F&V snack feeding program in a rural summer day camp for three years. Children were more willing to try the snacks than initially reported. Produce was ordered from a leading national food distributor for a weekly delivery of fresh produce with canned fruits as backup. Quality in year 1 was very good with no return of produce . In year 2 quality of fresh produce was generally good with 1 return.. In year 3 with the sharp rise in fuel and food costs, quality of both fresh and canned fruits and vegetables dropped dramatically. Over one in four cans of arrived dented. Replacement of fresh vegetables is not easily done with no supermarket within 20 miles. Fresh fruit arrivied semi‐frozen one time and overripe/crushed another time. Fresh vegetables and fruits deteriorated with 2‐3 days of delivery. Rising cost of foods presented another challenge. Reliance on obtaining quality fresh produce in rural areas is questionable for both research studies and lifestyle changes. Availability and quality of fresh produce in rural, low‐income area present public health challenges to overcome if optimal nutrition and healthy weight are to be achieved..