Not eating enough fruits and vegetables contributes to poor health and risk of chronic disease1
Currently only 28% of Californians meet the standard of eating fruits and vegetables five times a day.2 Research indicates that many chronic conditions including diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol can be treated, controlled and in some cases reversed with proper diet. Over the past 30 years, caloric intake nationwide has increased significantly. On average Americans consume more than 300 more calories per day than they did in 1985.3 Let’s Get Healthy California seeks to increase fruit and vegetable consumption from 28% to 34% by 2022.
Indicator Progress
In 2012 (baseline year), 28.0% of adults met the recommended intake of fruits and vegetables. Current data is pending. We hope to reach a target of 34.0% or higher by 2022.
Baseline
28.0%
Target
34.0%
Indicator Highlights
Ending Hunger in Orange County (OC)
Orange County experiences a unique disparity in which it ranks sixth in highest median income statewide, while also ranking ninth nationwide in counties with the highest number of people facing food insecurity. This program fosters nontraditional partnerships between public health, the food supply/restaurant community, and medical providers to divert unused quality food from areas of excess to areas of need, while identifying and referring food-insecure community members. This program feeds vulnerable residents while promoting environmental stewardship, and has made lasting change by embracing current technology and building sustainable partnerships. Read more »
Disparities & Trends
The data source for the indicator on adult daily intake of fruits and vegetables is no longer available. Related data on access to fresh fruits and vegetables is included in the Healthy Communities goal area.
Many Californians live in neighborhoods with an abundance of cheap, low-nutrient, high-calorie food, but with limited access to affordable fresh fruits and vegetables. This is magnified for low-income families who must often travel miles from their neighborhood to purchase healthy foods at reasonable prices.
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Stories & Solutions
Skid Row Healthy Food Micro-Enterprise Project
Skid Row Healthy Food Micro-Enterprise Project by the Los Angeles Community Action Network is a pilot project in the early stages of development that seeks to serve the Skid Row community of Downtown Los Angeles.
Ending Hunger in Orange County (OC)
Orange County experiences a unique disparity in which it ranks sixth in highest median income statewide, while also ranking ninth nationwide in counties with the highest number of people facing food insecurity.
Share Your Story
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