Chapter 19 - Fruit and vegetable consumption in the United States: Patterns, barriers and federal nutrition assistance programs

Abstract

Intake of fruits and vegetables varies across regions and demographics. Yet the majority of Americans over age 2 fail to consume the 2.5 cups of vegetables and 2 cups of fruits per day recommended by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2010. While approximately 5% of the population identifies itself as vegetarian, most Americans do not consume five servings of fruits and vegetables daily. Barriers to consumption include inadequacies in the US food supply, poor availability of produce in rural and underserved urban areas, food cost and “time poverty,” and poor health literacy. Federal programs aimed at improving Americans’ intake of fruit and vegetables include the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), as well as enhancements to the National School Lunch Program and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children. Such programs have improved the populations’ intake significantly. However, further efforts are needed to meet the goals set forth by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans for optimal health.