MMWR Vol. 63 / Early Release ► Vital Signs: Fruit and Vegetable Intake Among Children — United States, 2003–2010

MMWR Vol. 63 / Early Release

MMWR Early Release Vol. 63, Early Release August 5, 2014

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Vital Signs: Fruit and Vegetable Intake Among Children — United States, 2003–2010 
Sonia A. Kim, PhD, Latetia V. Moore, PhD, Deborah Galuska, PhD, et al.
MMWR 2014;63:1–6 

Eating more fruits and vegetables adds underconsumed nutrients to diets, reduces the risks for leading causes of illness and death, and helps manage body weight. This report describes trends in the contributions of fruits and vegetables to the diets of children aged 2–18 years. Total fruit intake among children increased from 2003–2004 to 2009–2010 because of significant increases in whole fruit intake. Over this period, fruit juice intake significantly decreased, and total vegetable intake did not change. Increased attention to the policies and food environments in multiple settings, including schools, early care and education, and homes might help continue the progress in fruit intake and improve vegetable intake.