Fresh Street Food and Health pilot study: A trial to evaluate the impact of a subsidy for fresh fruit and vegetables on a range of interconnected challenges for UK public health nutrition in areas of high deprivation and low fruit and vegetable consumption

AbstractBackgroundInadequate fruit and vegetable consumption causes a considerable disease burden and premature mortality. Despite considerable public health promotion of a healthy diet the average consumption is still below recommended levels. Fruit and vegetable consumption influences human skin colour, increasing red/yellow/orange pigment in the skin. Given that this colour is deemed attractive and healthy-looking, the appearance benefit may provide motivation to eat more fruit and vegetables. Such appearance motivation could be particularly effective in young individuals who currently eat least fruit and vegetables.ObjectivesTo assess how widely the impact of diet on skin colour is known within the UK. To compare the strength of motivation to eat fruit and vegetables based on health and appearance benefits and to compare the effect of different UK demographics on motivation.MethodsFour groups of UK residents (N = 200 each group) were recruited through the Prolific online platform. Groups comprised younger (aged 18-24) and older adults (aged 40-60) of low and high self-reported socioeconomic status (1-5 and 6-10 on a 10-point rating scale). Facial images simulating the skin colour associated with low and high fruit and vegetable diets were shown to participants. Questionnaires were used to assess (1) background knowledge of the health and skin colour effects of dietary fruit and vegetables; (2) the specific motivational impact of the skin colour illustration and (3) the relative importance of motivation to consume fruit and vegetables arising from health and skin colour appearance benefits.Results(1) 61% of all participants were unaware of the dietary–skin colour association. (2) 57% of participants found the simple demonstration of the dietary impact on skin colour positively motivating to eat more fruit and vegetables. The visual demonstration was equally motivating for participants of high and low self-reported socioeconomic status (P = .63) and different ethnic backgrounds (White N = 453, Black N = 182, Asian N = 87, P = .22). Health benefits from a diet high in fruit and vegetables were regarded as more motivating than skin colour appearance benefits. The appearance benefits of a high fruit and vegetable diet (compared to the health benefits) were relatively more important for the younger participants (Mann-Whitney U = 96,263, P < .001) and for women (N = 489) than for men (N = 310, U = 83,763, P = .01).ConclusionsThese findings indicate that promotion of the skin colour effects of diets high in fruit and vegetables could provide additional motivation for a healthier diet. Our study indicates the wide appeal of appearance benefits from dietary fruit and vegetable (across ethnicity and socioeconomic status) and particularly amongst young adults where inadequate diet is most prevalent.

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Differences in the Prevalence of Fruit and Vegetable Consumption in Spanish Workers

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu12123848 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (12) ◽

pp. 3848

Author(s):

Elena Ronda-Pérez ◽

Julia Campos-Mora ◽

Alba de Juan ◽

Teresa Gea ◽

Alison Reid ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Health Behaviors ◽

Service Sector ◽

Vegetable Consumption ◽

Workplace Health Promotion ◽

Fruit And Vegetable Consumption ◽

Fruit And Vegetables ◽

Sociodemographic Characteristics ◽

Fruit And Vegetable ◽

Daily Consumption ◽

The Impact

The present study aims to examine the differences in daily fruit and vegetable consumption in the working population in Spain. A cross-sectional study was conducted, using data from the 2017 National Health Survey (n = 10,700 workers aged between 18 and 65 years). The daily consumption of fruit and vegetables was evaluated using two items included in a food frequency questionnaire. Occupations were classified into the 17 main groups of the National Classification of Occupations of 2011 (CNO-11). The prevalence (P) of daily fruit and vegetable consumption was calculated in relation to sociodemographic characteristics, health behaviors, work-related characteristics and occupations. Logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the association, with simple and adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR). The P of daily consumption of fruit and vegetables in workers was 60% for fruit and 40% for vegetables. After adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics and health behaviors, workers working night or rotating shifts had a lower consumption of fruits (aOR:0.9; p < 0.05), and those working on temporary contracts had a lower consumption of vegetables (aOR:0.8; p < 0.05). Engineers, scientists, health care workers and teachers had the highest fruit consumption (74.5%) and the highest vegetable consumption (55.1%). The lowest consumption of fruits was presented by the military (42.3%) and unskilled workers in the service sector (45.8%), and the lowest consumption of vegetables was presented by skilled construction workers (25.5%). These findings could aid in workplace health promotion and could be used in future studies to evaluate the impact of the activities adopted.

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Comparison of buffet and à la carte serving at worksite canteens on nutrient intake and fruit and vegetable consumption

Public Health Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s1368980007246610 ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 10 (3) ◽

pp. 292-297 ◽

Cited By ~ 27

Author(s):

A Lassen ◽

KS Hansen ◽

E Trolle

Keyword(s):

Vegetable Consumption ◽

Energy Content ◽

Food Selection ◽

Nutritional Composition ◽

Fruit And Vegetable Consumption ◽

Fruit And Vegetables ◽

Fruit And Vegetable ◽

Average Percentage ◽

The Impact ◽

A La Carte

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the nutritional composition of worksite canteen lunches and to examine the impact of two meal serving systems on employee intake, i.e. buffet style with a fixed price for a varied number of dishes and à la carte style with a separate price for each item on the menu.DesignLaboratory technicians observed employees' food selection and collected identical dishes. Food items were weighed separately to calculate the content of fruit and vegetables. The content of protein, fat and ash of each dish was chemically analysed and the carbohydrate and energy content calculated.SettingFifteen randomly chosen worksite canteens in Denmark: eight canteens serving buffet style and seven canteens with an à la carte line.Subjectsone hundred and eighty randomly chosen employees having lunch at the worksite canteens.ResultsThe average percentage energy from fat was 37 ± 12 among men and 33 ± 12 among women. No association was found between the meal serving system and energy intake or macronutrient composition. Eating at canteens serving buffet style, on the other hand, was associated with an increased intake of fruit and vegetables, on average 76 g, and a lower energy density of the food for both genders.ConclusionThe results highlight the possibilities of promoting healthy food choices in the catering sector and the need to identify models of healthy catering practice. Serving buffet style appears to be a promising strategy in order to increase fruit and vegetable consumption in food served away from home.

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Childhood consumption of fruit and vegetables across England: a study of 2306 6–7-year-olds in 2007

British Journal Of Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s0007114511005939 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 108 (4) ◽

pp. 733-742 ◽

Cited By ~ 12

Author(s):

Rebecca J. Hughes ◽

Kimberley L. Edwards ◽

Graham P. Clarke ◽

Charlotte E. L. Evans ◽

Janet E. Cade ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Vegetable Consumption ◽

Spatial Scales ◽

Daily Intake ◽

Fruit And Vegetable Consumption ◽

Fruit And Vegetables ◽

Fruit And Vegetable ◽

Food Diary ◽

School Day ◽

The Impact ◽

Geodemographic Classification

The School Fruit and Vegetable Scheme (SFVS) provides children in government-run schools in England with a free piece of fruit or a vegetable each school day for the first 3 years of school. The present study examines the impact of the SFVS, in terms of its contribution towards the total daily intake of fruit and vegetables by children across England. Quantitative dietary data were collected from 2306 children in their third year of school, from 128 schools, using a 24 h food diary. The data were examined at different spatial scales, and variations in the impact of the scheme across areas with different socio-economic characteristics were analysed using a deprivation index and a geodemographic classification. The uptake of the SFVS and the total intake of fruit and vegetables by children varied across different parts of England. Participation in the SFVS was positively associated with fruit and vegetable consumption. That is, in any one area, those children who participated in the SFVS consumed more fruit and vegetables. However, children living in deprived areas still consumed less fruit and vegetables than children living in more advantaged areas: the mean daily frequency of fruit and vegetables consumed, and rates of consumption of fruit or vegetables five times or more per d, decreased as deprivation increased (r − 0·860; P = 0·001; r − 0·842; P = 0·002). So the SFVS does not eliminate the socio-economic gradient in fruit and vegetable consumption, but it does help to increase fruit and vegetable consumption in deprived (and affluent) areas.

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Reactions to an Online Demonstration of the Effect of Increased Fruit and Vegetable Consumption on Appearance: Survey Study

Journal of Medical Internet Research ◽

10.2196/15726 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 22 (7) ◽

pp. e15726

Author(s):

Patrick Cairns ◽

Gozde Ozakinci ◽

David Ian Perrett

Keyword(s):

Socioeconomic Status ◽

Skin Color ◽

Vegetable Consumption ◽

Health Benefits ◽

Fruit And Vegetable Consumption ◽

Fruit And Vegetables ◽

Color Appearance ◽

Fruit And Vegetable ◽

Orange Pigment ◽

The Impact

Background Inadequate fruit and vegetable consumption causes a considerable disease burden and premature mortality. Despite public health promotion of a healthy diet, the average consumption is still below recommended levels. Fruit and vegetable consumption influences human skin color, increasing red/yellow/orange pigment in the skin. Given that this color is deemed attractive and healthy-looking, the appearance benefit may motivate to eat more fruit and vegetables. Such appearance motivation could be particularly useful in young individuals who currently eat the least fruit and vegetables. Objective Our objectives were to assess how widely the impact of diet on skin color is known within the UK and to compare the strength of motivation to eat fruit and vegetables based on health and appearance benefits among different demographic groups. Methods Four groups of UK residents (N=200 per group) were recruited through the Prolific online platform. Groups comprised younger (aged 18-24) and older adults (aged 40-60) of low and high self-reported socioeconomic status (1-5 and 6-10 on a 10-point rating scale). Facial images simulating the skin color associated with low and high fruit and vegetable diets were shown to participants. Questionnaires were used to assess (1) background knowledge of the health and skin color effects of dietary fruit and vegetables, (2) the specific motivational impact of the skin color illustration, and (3) the relative importance of motivation to consume fruit and vegetables arising from health and skin color appearance benefits. Results We found that 61% (n=487) of all participants were unaware of the dietary–skin color association. We also found that 57% (n=457) of participants found the simple demonstration of the dietary impact on skin color positively motivating to eat more fruit and vegetables. The visual demonstration was equally motivating for participants of high and low self-reported socioeconomic status (P=.63) and different ethnic backgrounds (White N=453, Black N=182, Asian N=87, P=.22). Health benefits from a diet high in fruit and vegetables were regarded as more motivating than skin color appearance benefits. The appearance-changing benefits of a high fruit and vegetable diet (compared to the health benefits) were relatively more important for the younger participants (Mann-Whitney U=96,263, P<.001) and for women (N=489) than for men (N=310, U=83,763, P=.01). Conclusions These findings indicate that the promotion of the skin color effects of diets high in fruit and vegetables could provide additional motivation for a healthier diet. Our study indicates the broad appeal of appearance benefits from dietary fruit and vegetable (across ethnicity and socioeconomic status) and particularly amongst young adults where an inadequate diet is most prevalent.

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Reactions to an Online Demonstration of the Effect of Increased Fruit and Vegetable Consumption on Appearance: Survey Study (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.15726 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Patrick Cairns ◽

Gozde Ozakinci ◽

David Ian Perrett

Keyword(s):

Socioeconomic Status ◽

Skin Color ◽

Vegetable Consumption ◽

Health Benefits ◽

Fruit And Vegetable Consumption ◽

Fruit And Vegetables ◽

Color Appearance ◽

Fruit And Vegetable ◽

Orange Pigment ◽

The Impact

BACKGROUND Inadequate fruit and vegetable consumption causes a considerable disease burden and premature mortality. Despite public health promotion of a healthy diet, the average consumption is still below recommended levels. Fruit and vegetable consumption influences human skin color, increasing red/yellow/orange pigment in the skin. Given that this color is deemed attractive and healthy-looking, the appearance benefit may motivate to eat more fruit and vegetables. Such appearance motivation could be particularly useful in young individuals who currently eat the least fruit and vegetables. OBJECTIVE Our objectives were to assess how widely the impact of diet on skin color is known within the UK and to compare the strength of motivation to eat fruit and vegetables based on health and appearance benefits among different demographic groups. METHODS Four groups of UK residents (N=200 per group) were recruited through the Prolific online platform. Groups comprised younger (aged 18-24) and older adults (aged 40-60) of low and high self-reported socioeconomic status (1-5 and 6-10 on a 10-point rating scale). Facial images simulating the skin color associated with low and high fruit and vegetable diets were shown to participants. Questionnaires were used to assess (1) background knowledge of the health and skin color effects of dietary fruit and vegetables, (2) the specific motivational impact of the skin color illustration, and (3) the relative importance of motivation to consume fruit and vegetables arising from health and skin color appearance benefits. RESULTS We found that 61% (n=487) of all participants were unaware of the dietary–skin color association. We also found that 57% (n=457) of participants found the simple demonstration of the dietary impact on skin color positively motivating to eat more fruit and vegetables. The visual demonstration was equally motivating for participants of high and low self-reported socioeconomic status (P=.63) and different ethnic backgrounds (White N=453, Black N=182, Asian N=87, P=.22). Health benefits from a diet high in fruit and vegetables were regarded as more motivating than skin color appearance benefits. The appearance-changing benefits of a high fruit and vegetable diet (compared to the health benefits) were relatively more important for the younger participants (Mann-Whitney U=96,263, P<.001) and for women (N=489) than for men (N=310, U=83,763, P=.01). CONCLUSIONS These findings indicate that the promotion of the skin color effects of diets high in fruit and vegetables could provide additional motivation for a healthier diet. Our study indicates the broad appeal of appearance benefits from dietary fruit and vegetable (across ethnicity and socioeconomic status) and particularly amongst young adults where an inadequate diet is most prevalent.

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Health promotion intervention increases fruit and vegetable consumption and physical activity among Sub-Saharan African University students: A randomized controlled pilot study

Health Care Current Reviews ◽

10.4172/2375-4273.c1.033 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 04 (07) ◽

Author(s):

G Anita Heeren ◽

C Show Marange ◽

Arnold Gwaze

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Health Promotion ◽

Pilot Study ◽

University Students ◽

Vegetable Consumption ◽

Fruit And Vegetable Consumption ◽

Fruit And Vegetable ◽

Health Promotion Intervention ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Sub Saharan

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Analysis of Fruit and Vegetable Consumption by Children in School Canteens Depending on Selected Sociodemographic Factors

Medicina ◽

10.3390/medicina55070397 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 55 (7) ◽

pp. 397 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Łuszczki ◽

Sobek ◽

Bartosiewicz ◽

Baran ◽

Weres ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Fruits And Vegetables ◽

Eating Habits ◽

Vegetable Consumption ◽

Body Height ◽

Sociodemographic Factors ◽

Fruit And Vegetable Consumption ◽

Fruit And Vegetable ◽

Bar Code ◽

School Canteen ◽

The Impact

Background and Objectives: Eating habits acquired or changed during childhood are likely to track into adulthood. Due to the fact that nutritional behaviours are not so strongly formed among children, it is easier to change and develop them in children than in adults. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of selected sociodemographic factors affecting fruit and vegetable consumption (i.e., age, parents’ body mass index, parents’ level education, duration of breastfeeding, child’s time spent in front of computer/television) among children in school canteens. Materials and Methods: The sample consisted of 106 participants (52 girls, 54 boys) aged 6–12. The frequency of consuming fruits and vegetables at a school canteen was assessed using bar code cards for two weeks. Body composition estimates were obtained using a foot-to-foot bioelectrical impedance analysis, body height was measured using a stadiometer Seca 213. The questionnaire contained questions about selected factors which can have an influence on fruit and vegetable consumption. In the study group, 13.2% of participants were overweight and 17.9% were obese. Results: Our results showed a statistically significant relationship between age and fruit and vegetable consumption, and it increased with age in both sexes. Conclusions: Bearing in mind the various conditions discussed when shaping the eating habits of pre-school- and early-school-aged children, the importance of proper nutritional education should be stressed both among children and parents.

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