Despite the evidence in support of the health benefits associated with fruit and vegetable (FV)
intake,1 national data indicate that FV consumption of school-aged children is below recommended levels.2 The dietary goals identified by Healthy People 2010
include increasing the proportion of youth who consume ≥2 daily servings of fruit and ≥3 daily
servings of vegetables.3 Based on National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data
(1999-2000), the estimated mean daily intake of fruits and vegetables among boys and girls aged 9-13 years was 3.7 servings and only 18% to 20% of children in this age group consumed 5 or more daily servings of fruits and vegetables.2 Furthermore, youth from families with low socioeconomic status are likely to consume the fewest daily servings of fruits and
vegetables.4 Based on Consumer Expenditure Survey data (1991 and 2000), per person FV expenditures were significantly less for low-income households compared to other households; $3.59 per capita per week versus $5.02, respectively.5