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