As budgets continue to shrink as a result of the economic downturn, so does the amount of produce eaten by American families. An annual survey of moms, released Tuesday by the Produce for Better Health Foundation, found that although 60 percent of mothers believe their families don’t eat enough fruits and vegetables, they are serving less produce with meals and as snacks.

Even though 87 percent of moms still value the importance of vegetable- and fruit-heavy diets, 90 percent of Americans eat less than the recommended amount (between 2 and 6 ½ cups daily). In the past year alone, reported fruit consumption decreased 12 percent and reported veggie consumption dropped six percent. Moms listed factors such as high cost and discrepancies in family members’ produce preferences as contributing to the menu change.

“It is important to continue to eat healthy, even in tough economic times. Fruits and veggies are an inexpensive part of a healthy lifestyle,” says Elizabeth Pivonka, Ph.D., R.D., Produce for Better Health Foundation President and CEO.

The Produce for Better Health Foundation recommends moms extend their food budgets by serving produce prepared in a variety of ways. Fresh, frozen, canned, juiced, and dried fruits and vegetables all contribute to dietary requirements.

OnSurvey, an online quantitative research consultant, conducted the survey of moms between January 16 and January 22, 2009. The 1,000 respondents were a nationally representative sample of 24 – 41 year-old women who had at least one child living in their household.

For more information on healthy eating, visit the Healia Diet and Nutrition Health Community and Support Group or check out the Healia Diet and Nutrition Health Guide.


Source: The Produce for Better Health Foundation, Generation X Mom Survey. Press Release 3/31/2009. http://www.pbhfoundation.org/pulse/press/releases/pressrelease.php?recordid=268.

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