07.01.08
Only 18% of U.S. children are eating three or more servings of fresh fruits and vegetables each day, according to a study commissioned by Produce for Kids (PFK), Orlando, FL, an organization that promotes the benefits of healthy eating. The most-purchased fruits—and the most popular with kids—include bananas, purchased by 85% of households, apples (84%), grapes (75%), strawberries/berries (48%) and citrus fruits (34%). Potatoes are the top-ranked vegetable, purchased by 86% of households, followed by baby carrots (60%), tomatoes (54%), lettuce/salad (53%) and corn (44%). Two-thirds of respondents said their children eat fresh fruits and vegetables with dips, with ranch dressing cited as the favorite accompaniment for vegetables, while caramel dip, peanut butter and cream cheese were most popular with fruits. The Perishables Group, an independent consulting firm specializing in the fresh food business, conducted the study on behalf of four sponsors: Dole, National Mango Board, Paramount Citrus and T. Marzetti. This comprehensive study combined multiple research tools including Nielsen point-of-sale scan data; Spectra consumer lifestyle analysis; an online survey of 1000 parents, primarily moms, and 500 shopper intercepts of mothers and children.