Recession Causes Moms to Serve Fewer Fruits & Vegetables |
Fresh Fruit (photo by Jeltovski, courtesy of morguefile.com)
Our friends at the Produce for Better Health Foundation tell us that as families cut back on purchases they are also cutting back on fruits and vegetables. The Foundation’s annual survey found that although 60% of Moms continue to believe that their families eat too few fruits and vegetables, Moms are including less of them in meals and snacks.
Reported fruit consumption has dropped 12% since a year ago and vegetable consumption is down 6%. The survey points to the nation’s current economic recession for the negative impact on mother’s attitudes and behaviors regarding fruits and vegetables, especially in lower income households.
This is the fourth year PBH has conducted their Moms survey, and the first year a decrease in fruit and vegetable consumption has been noted. Most Moms (87%) still believe it’s important to include fruits and vegetables in their family’s diet. But, citing barriers such as cost and different preferences amongst family, Moms feel they need more support. And they do—90% of Americans consume fewer fruits and vegetables than the recommended daily amount, which ranges from 2 to 6½ cups each day.
Support Available for Moms
To give Moms the support they need the Foundation’s web site, Fruits & Veggies—More Matters, offers free tools and advice. The website includes tips, recipes, and other resources to help Moms make adding more fruits and vegetables to their families’ diet easier—and more affordable—than they might think.
“It is important to continue to eat healthy, even in tough economic times,” says Elizabeth Pivonka, Ph.D., R.D., PBH President and CEO. “Fruits and vegetables are an inexpensive part of a healthy lifestyle, and Fruits & Veggies—More Matters can show Moms how to include more, both at home and on the go.” According to the survey, an increase in the consumption of fruits and vegetables correlates with Moms awareness of Fruits and Veggies—More Matters.
To visit the Produce for Better Health Foundation’s web site go to: Fruits & Veggies—More Matters
To view some of the previous posts on this topic go to any of the following:
1. America's Children Need to Eat More Fruits & Veggies
