Currently, Americans consume less than 60 percent of the recommended vegetable intake and less than 50 percent for fruit. Not eating enough of these nutrient-rich foods can lead to lower than recommended levels of vitamins A, C, and K, and magnesium, potassium, and dietary fiber – all noted as shortfall nutrients by the 2010 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee Report. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention adds that fruit and vegetable consumption is crucial for effective weight management, reducing risk for heart disease, stroke, diabetes and some cancers.

Not one of the 50 US states met the Healthy People 2010* objectives – 75 percent of people to eat at least two servings per day and 50 percent to consume at least three servings of vegetables per day.

The figure above shows the percentage of US adults aged 18+ years who consumed fruit two or more times per day and vegetables three or more times per day, by state, in 2009, according to the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. Twelve states and DC had 35%-45% of adults who consumed fruit two or more times per day, compared with no states that had 35%-45% of adults who consumed vegetables three or more times per day.

In celebration of Fruits and Veggies More Matters Month (September), eat an additional serving of fruits and vegetables every day and feel the difference. This new behavior is also good to model to those around you. Here at Current, we are proud to have Hidden Valley Salad Dressings as a partner and to support its Love Your Veggies™ campaign. Inspired by a study that showed children will consume more vegetables when paired with a moderate amount of ranch dressing, the Love Your Veggies™ campaign offers parents and educators tools and resources to help grow kids’ taste for vegetables and cultivates a life-long love of veggies with the great taste of Hidden Valley.

The multi-facetted Love Your Veggies™ campaign includes kid-friendly informational and educational materials, annual events, interactive games/tools and school grants. Since its inception in 2007, Hidden Valley has awarded $850,000 in school nutrition grants to nearly 80 elementary schools nationwide to help kids grow their love of veggies.

Additional Reading:

• Medical News Today: Americans’ Vegetable Consumption Drops 2% In A Decade
• Wall Street Journal Health Blog: Which States’ Residents Eat the Most Fruits and Veggies?
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Fruit and Vegetable Access in Your State
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: State-Specific Trends in Fruit and Vegetable Consumption Among Adults — United States, 2000—2009

*Healthy People 2010: National health objectives to achieve during the first decade of the new century.