The Veggie Van: Customer characteristics, fruit and vegetable consumption, and barriers to healthy eating among shoppers at a mobile farmers market in the United States

ABSTRACT Background Dietary guidance encourages consuming a variety of fruit and vegetables (FVs), which has been associated with higher FV intake and nutrient adequacy. Dietary intake of adults in the United States has not been described in the context of variety. Objectives The objective of this study was to describe FV consumption of adults in the United States by level of FV variety. Methods One day of dietary intake data of adults aged ≥20 y (n = 10,064) in What We Eat in America, NHANES 2013–2016 were used. FV variety was the count of foods consumed that contributed to total FV intake. Each FV was counted only once; a mixed dish counted as 1. Variety levels were high (≥5 items, n = 2316); moderate (3–4 items, n = 3423); or low (1–2 items, n = 3746). Differences between each level of variety were compared by t test. Results Among the low, moderate, and high levels, total FV intakes were 1.4, 2.6, and 4.4 cup equivalents (CE), respectively. CE amounts of FVs consumed were 0.3, 0.6, and 1.4 of vegetables excluding potatoes; 0.2, 0.3, and 0.3 of potatoes; 0.3, 0.6, and 1.2 of fruit; and 0.4, 0.4, and 0.5 from mixed dishes, respectively; percentages of each level reporting intake were 34%, 64%, and 89% for vegetables excluding potatoes; 23%, 34%, and 32% for potatoes; 22%, 49%, and 75% for fruit; and 72%, 71%, and 72% for mixed dishes, respectively. Conclusions Those with more variety of FV intake include whole FVs more frequently and in higher amounts. These results support suggestions for encouraging more FVs at snacks and as side dishes and salads at meals to increase total intake.

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Healthy eating: a matter of prioritisation by households or policymakers?

Public Health Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s1368980021000677 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-3

Author(s):

Joreintje Dingena Mackenbach

Keyword(s):

Decision Making ◽

Healthy Eating ◽

Low Income ◽

Fruits And Vegetables ◽

Food System ◽

Vegetable Consumption ◽

Fruit And Vegetable Consumption ◽

Healthy Foods ◽

Fruit And Vegetable ◽

Decision Making Processes

Abstract I reflect upon the potential reasons why American low-income households do not spend an optimal proportion of their food budgets on fruits and vegetables, even though this would allow them to meet the recommended levels of fruit and vegetable consumption. Other priorities than health, automatic decision-making processes and access to healthy foods play a role, but solutions for the persistent socio-economic inequalities in diet should be sought in the wider food system which promotes cheap, mass-produced foods. I argue that, ultimately, healthy eating is not a matter of prioritisation by individual households but by policymakers.

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Are parents eating their greens? Fruit and vegetable consumption during a school intervention

British Food Journal ◽

10.1108/bfj-05-2012-0134 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 116 (4) ◽

pp. 585-597 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Jessica Aschemann-Witzel ◽

Tino Bech-Larsen ◽

Alice Grønhøj

Keyword(s):

Healthy Eating ◽

Self Efficacy ◽

Vegetable Consumption ◽

Self Regulation ◽

School Intervention ◽

Fruit And Vegetable Consumption ◽

Fruit And Vegetable ◽

Positive Interaction ◽

Content Type ◽

School Based

Purpose – The aim of this paper is to study the extent of change in parents' fruit and vegetable consumption during a period when their children participate in a school-based healthy eating intervention. Design/methodology/approach – A total of 256 12-year-old Danish schoolchildren took part in a text-message feedback intervention promoting fruit and vegetable consumption. One parent of each child filled out self-administered questionnaires at three points during the 40-week study period. In the questionnaire, stated consumption, perceived influence factors on their consumption and self-efficacy and self-regulation were measured. Findings – Only half of the parents stated that they met the “five a day” target. These parents reported good availability of fruit and vegetables in their household, high consumption among their friends and frequent exercise and they were characterised by high self-efficacy levels. Stated consumption increased during the period of the intervention targeted at their children. Parents that reported an increase had, at the start of the intervention, reported low levels of consumption, lack of encouragement to eat healthy at their workplace and lower autonomous self-regulation. Research limitations/implications – The consumption data is limited to self-report. Practical implications – The results indicate that parents can be influenced indirectly by school-based interventions targeted at their children. Future interventions should include the family with the intent to support positive interaction that might further promote and sustain healthy eating habits. Originality/value – The study considers the possible effects school interventions targeting children may have on the immediate family, an aspect generally overlooked in school-based health initiatives.

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