BACKGROUND: Despite evidence in support of the health benefits associated with
fruit and vegetable (FV) intake, national data indicate that FV consumption among
school-aged children is below recommended levels, particularly among low-income
children. School meals offered through the School Breakfast Program and National
School Lunch Program can provide an important contribution to child FV intake. This
study examines the proportion of fruits and vegetables consumed from school meals
programs among ethnically diverse, low socioeconomic status children.