Hispanics and blacks are much less likely than non-Hispanic whites to report eating five or more servings of fruits and vegetables each day, a new survey report released by The Packer.
The 2014 Healthy Americas Survey, which polled about 850 Americans, said that only 7% of Hispanics and 8% of non-Hispanic blacks reported eating five or more servings of fruits and vegetables daily, compared to 18% of non-Hispanic whites who reported five or more servings per days. The survey was supported by the Healthy Americas Foundation and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
The study reported contrasting trends at lower consumption levels, however.
The report said 29% of Hispanics said they eat at least two servings of fruits and vegetables per day, compared with 28% for blacks and 25% for non-Hispanic whites.
Of Hispanics surveyed, 8% said they never eat fruits and vegetables, compared to 4% of blacks and less than 1% of whites.
The survey reported that 36% of Hispanics reported that the high cost of fruits and vegetables prevented them from purchasing them in the past 12 months, compared with 30% for non-Hispanic blacks and 28% for non-Hispanic whites.
“According to the (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), Hispanics have the longest life expectancy but based on this poll we are at a tipping point in Hispanic health with risks on the horizon from drinking sugary sodas, not eating five or more servings of fruits and vegetables each day, and lack of access to health care,” Jane Delgado, president and chief executive officer of the National Alliance for Hispanic Health. Delgado said the U.S. can do better.
“All communities need access to health insurance, affordable fruits and vegetables, and opportunities for physical activity,” she said in the release.
Source: Published originally on ThePacker.com as Survey reveals low produce consumption by Tom Karst, January 5, 2015.