Younger children are consuming more fruits and vegetables, while adults and teens seem to be slacking off, according to research commissioned by the Produce for Better Health Foundation (PBH) and conducted by NPD Foodworld.
- Data suggests that children under 6 have increased their fruit consumption by 11% from 2004-2009, while consumption among children ages 6-12 is up 7%
- The trend in vegetable eating also showed an increase, though slightly lower, with children under 6 consuming 3% more vegetables, and children aged 6-12 consuming 2% more
- Since 2004, teen consumption of fruit has declined 2%, with vegetables dropping by 6%
- Last year’s fruit consumption by adults was also down slightly, while vegetable intake remained about the same level as last reported in 2000
“We applaud the efforts of parents and policy makers that have helped increase consumption among younger children; we simply encourage them to do more of it,” said Elizabeth Pivonka, president and CEO of PBH. “We still have a long way to go to get consumption up to recommended levels.”
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