PBH report shows rise in produce consumption
PBH report shows rise in produce consumption
WASHINGTON -- Before 2002, studies showed that Americans' daily consumption of fruits and vegetables was on the decline, but a new report shows a shift in eating patterns as more Americans are eating fruits and vegetables.
The report found a rise in overall fruit and vegetable consumption for the first time in 15 years, with a combined increase of 1 percent in annual eating per capita between 2002 and 2004.
The 2004 data used in the new State of the Plate report do not include the media blitz from the revamped Food Pyramid or the expanded Dietary Guidelines, so the Produce for Better Health Foundation is hoping to see the trend continue next year.
However, PBH spokeswoman Christine Filardo said that the rise is attributed to a substantial increase in the sales of fruits, not vegetables, which are continuing to decline as fewer consumers prepare vegetable side dishes at family dinners.
The PBH report includes new data from two studies used to track consumption patterns and help researchers understand what motivates people to eat more fruits and vegetables.
According to the ACNielsen study of nearly 2,600 households, the number of Americans claiming to eat five or more servings a day was 18 percent in 2004, up 50 percent from 2003. The NPD Foodworld Research study, also commissioned by the foundation, looked at 2,000 households and found a similar percentage of people claiming to eat five or more servings of fruits and vegetables a day in 2004.
"It's hard to isolate one reason for the change," said Ms. Filardo. The demise of fad diets, the rise of conveniently packaged products, and the increasing awareness of health- conscious Baby Boomers all play a role in the increase of fruit and vegetable consumption, she said.
The report shows that Americans are becoming increasingly aware of the need to consume more fruits and vegetables to live healthier lives. The ACNielsen study found that 57 percent of Americans believe that at least five daily servings of fruits and vegetables are necessary to maintaining good health, up from 40 percent in 2004.
The report also found that more people were aware of the Color Way message. The foundation has found that people aware of the Color Way campaign spend $111 more a year on fruits and vegetables than those unfamiliar with the message.
"The research clearly indicates that education programs are beginning to take hold, but more work still must be done," said PBH President Elizabeth Pivonka.
Very few people are consuming the recommended amounts of fruits and vegetables for their age, gender and activity level, and most people will need to triple their intake to meet the new Dietary Guidelines.
Ms. Filardo said that the group is focusing on young families and is investing in programs that reach children, a population that, if educated early enough, can learn to make fruits and vegetables central in their daily eating decisions.
The report found a rise in overall fruit and vegetable consumption for the first time in 15 years, with a combined increase of 1 percent in annual eating per capita between 2002 and 2004.
The 2004 data used in the new State of the Plate report do not include the media blitz from the revamped Food Pyramid or the expanded Dietary Guidelines, so the Produce for Better Health Foundation is hoping to see the trend continue next year.
However, PBH spokeswoman Christine Filardo said that the rise is attributed to a substantial increase in the sales of fruits, not vegetables, which are continuing to decline as fewer consumers prepare vegetable side dishes at family dinners.
The PBH report includes new data from two studies used to track consumption patterns and help researchers understand what motivates people to eat more fruits and vegetables.
According to the ACNielsen study of nearly 2,600 households, the number of Americans claiming to eat five or more servings a day was 18 percent in 2004, up 50 percent from 2003. The NPD Foodworld Research study, also commissioned by the foundation, looked at 2,000 households and found a similar percentage of people claiming to eat five or more servings of fruits and vegetables a day in 2004.
"It's hard to isolate one reason for the change," said Ms. Filardo. The demise of fad diets, the rise of conveniently packaged products, and the increasing awareness of health- conscious Baby Boomers all play a role in the increase of fruit and vegetable consumption, she said.
The report shows that Americans are becoming increasingly aware of the need to consume more fruits and vegetables to live healthier lives. The ACNielsen study found that 57 percent of Americans believe that at least five daily servings of fruits and vegetables are necessary to maintaining good health, up from 40 percent in 2004.
The report also found that more people were aware of the Color Way message. The foundation has found that people aware of the Color Way campaign spend $111 more a year on fruits and vegetables than those unfamiliar with the message.
"The research clearly indicates that education programs are beginning to take hold, but more work still must be done," said PBH President Elizabeth Pivonka.
Very few people are consuming the recommended amounts of fruits and vegetables for their age, gender and activity level, and most people will need to triple their intake to meet the new Dietary Guidelines.
Ms. Filardo said that the group is focusing on young families and is investing in programs that reach children, a population that, if educated early enough, can learn to make fruits and vegetables central in their daily eating decisions.
