We’ve all been told by our elders or doctors that eating plenty of fruits and vegetables is the key to a healthy lifestyle. Well, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), no state in the union is meeting “national objectives for consumption of fruits and vegetables [.]” This unfortunate news is part of the CDC’s first ever report to include state by state “data about fruit and vegetable consumption and policies . . .”The “State Indicator Report on Fruits and Vegetables, 2009” was released today by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. According to the CDC news release, the information in the report indicates the Healthy People 2010 objectives that aim for “at least 75 percent of Americans to eat the recommended two or more daily servings of fruit, and for at least 50 percent of Americans to eat the recommended three or more servings of vegetables daily,” may be tough to meet without some changes in policies. Certainly American produce farmers would like to see the American consumer strive to reach those goals, but if the objective is going to be met, then work needs to be done.
Here is what information the news release contains about the report:
CDC surveys indicate that only 33 percent of adults meet the recommendation for fruit consumption and 27 percent get the recommended servings of vegetables. The statistics are even worse for high school students – 32 percent report eating at least two servings of fruit daily and 13 percent say they eat at least three servings of vegetables each day.
In the news release Dr. William H. Dietz, director of CDC’s Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity had this to say,
"A diet high in fruits and vegetables is important for optimal child growth, maintaining a healthy weight, and prevention of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and some cancers, all of which currently contribute to health care costs in the United States . . . This report will help states determine what is taking place in their communities and schools and come up with ways to encourage people to eat more fruits and vegetables."The report does indicate ways in which the guidelines could be better met, such as easier access for all to retail establishments that offer fresh produce. Only eight states encourage this through policies that aim to improve both retail establishments and where produce is offered so that they are accessible to more citizens. Additionally, the report suggest schools would be a good place to target fruit and vegetable consumption among the nation’s youth.
Farmers and farm-state lawmakers have long advocated for increasing the amount of fresh fruits and veggies that are made available daily to children in school. The report also highlights the effectiveness of having “food system support” so that food makes it from the farm to the consumers. The report also stresses the importance of each role the various stakeholders play in this system.
As Heidi Michels Blanck, Ph.D., CDC epidemiologist states in the release, improving the percentage of Americans who get the recommended daily intake of fruits and vegetables may take the effort of the whole community. ‘“We have seen the tremendous benefit of state and local officials, health professionals, employers, food store owners, farmers, school staff, and community members working together on food and nutrition issues. . . . Their efforts can help to increase the availability of affordable healthier food choices such as fruits and vegetables.”’
To read the report click here.
To read the CDC news release click here.
Posted: 09/30/09
