Increasing the amount of fruits and vegetables eaten by children and adults is an important step toward preventing and reducing obesity in the United States and lowering the risk of developing many chronic diseases.
The newest edition of the State Indicator Report on Fruits and Vegetables (2013) by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides state-by-state information on fruit and vegetable consumption. It also presents environmental and policy indicators that measure a state’s ability to support consumption of fruits and vegetables through increased access and availability in schools and communities.
The report shows that while fruit and vegetable consumption is high in some states, overall fruit and vegetable consumption in the United States is low. The report describes the many ways that states are attempting to improve access to fruits and vegetables by establishing policies that make it easier to get fruits and vegetables into communities, schools, and childcare settings.
The report can be used to describe how states support the consumption of fruits and vegetables; monitor progress and celebrate state successes; and identify opportunities for improvement in fruit and vegetable access. Monitoring and evaluating consumption of fruits and vegetables over time may highlight the many factors that play a role in improving fruit and vegetable consumption.