CDC: New efforts needed to increase fruit and vegetable consumption

In every state in the U.S., fewer than 1 in 5 adults are consuming enough fruits and vegetables. The latest U.S. data shows that fewer than 1 in 5 adults in every state are consuming enough fruits and vegetables. Estimates ranged from 8 percent meeting fruit recommendations in Tennessee to 18 percent in California and from 6 percent meeting vegetable recommendations in Mississippi to 13 percent in California. 

In Colorado, CDC estimates that 14 percent are eating the recommended servings of fruit and 10 percent are eating enough vegetables. According to the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Systems, the median consumption in Colorado is 1.1 times per day for fruit and 1.8 times per day of vegetables.

Adults should eat one and a half to two cups of fruit and two to three cups of vegetables each day. Meeting these recommendations may protect against many serious illnesses, including heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers. Fruits and vegetables are major contributors of important under-consumed nutrients; eating them instead of higher calorie foods can help manage body weight. Substantial new efforts are needed to build consumer demand for fruits and vegetables through competitive pricing, placement, and promotion in child care, schools, and communities.

To learn more, go to the CDC.