New Report Highlights State Support for Fruits and Vegetables

New Report Highlights State Support for Fruits and Vegetables



State Indicator Report on Fruits and Vegetables, 2018 | Nutrition | CDC

New Report Highlights State Support for Fruits and Vegetables 

Today CDC released the 2018 State Indicator Report on Fruits and Vegetables. This report highlights approaches to increase the purchase, supply, and demand of fruits and vegetables in states and communities across the United States.

Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can help reduce the risk of many leading causes of illness and death, such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, some cancers, and obesity. Despite these benefits, only 1 in 10 U.S. adults eat the recommended amount of fruits or vegetables each day. Educating individuals about the benefits of fruits and vegetables is important, but these efforts are not enough. We need a collective approach that improves the convenience and affordability of healthy foods where Americans live, learn, work, and play. CDC’s 2018 State Indicator Report highlights state-level policies and supports that increase access to fruits and vegetables.  Key findings include: 10 states adopted a policy on food service guidelines that ensures that healthy foods, including fruits and vegetables, are sold or served on state-owned or state-controlled property. This policy affects places such as parks and recreation centers, public venues, government worksites, and state-run institutions. 47 states adopted a farm to school or farm to early care and education policy that can increase access to fruits and vegetables. These programs buy produce from local farmers, support school gardens, and educate students on health and agriculture.  32 states have active state-level food policy councils, cross-sector organizations that work to improve the food system. These councils can improve access to healthy foods, including fruits and vegetables, often in underserved communities.   These efforts can increase access to and affordability of fruits and vegetables in states and communities, strengthening regional food systems and supporting the local economy.   Public health practitioners and decision-makers can use this report to quickly assess how their state is doing and identify strategies they can put in place to improve access to fruits and vegetables in their communities. More Information:  Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity CDC Guide to Strategies to Increase the Consumption of Fruits and Vegetables  MMWR: Disparities in State-Specific Adult Fruit and Vegetable Consumption — United States, 2015 DNPAO Data, Trends, and Maps DNPAO's Infant and Toddler Nutrition Podcast: A Cup of Health with CDC -Eat Well  USDA’s Choose My Plate