Trends in Fruit and Vegetable Consumption Among Adults in the United States: Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, 1994–2000

Abstract

We examined trends in fruit and vegetable consumption in the United States. A 6-item food frequency questionnaire was used to assess consumption among 434 121 adults in 49 states and the District of Columbia who were sampled in random-digit-dialed telephone surveys administered in 1994, 1996, 1998, and 2000. Although the geometric mean frequency of fruit and vegetable consumption declined slightly, the proportion of respondents consuming fruits and vegetables 5 or more times per day did not change. With the exception of the group aged 18 to 24 years, which experienced a 3-percentage-point increase, little change was seen among sociodemographic subgroups. Frequency of fruit and vegetable consumption changed little from 1994 to 2000. If increases are to be achieved, additional efforts and new strategies will be needed.