Healthy Bites: Supporting Environments to Increase Access to Fruits and Vegetables

1. Healthy Bites: Supporting Environments to Increase Access to Fruits and Vegetables Adrienne Udarbe, MS, RD adrienne.udarbe@azdhs.gov Bureau of Nutrition and Physical Activity Leadership for a healthy Arizona

2. Overview • Fruits and Veggies ‘News You Can Use’ • September Fruit and Veggies Month • Food Day • Fruit and Veggie Action Plan

3. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Journal Daily Apple versus Dried Plum: Impact on Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors in Postmenopausal Women There were no significant differences between the dried apple and dried plum groups in altering serum levels of atherogenic cholesterols except total cholesterol at 6 months. However, when within treatment group comparisons are made, consumption of 75 g dried apple (about two medium-sized apples) can significantly lower atherogenic cholesterol levels as early as 3 months. Intra-Family Role Expectations and Reluctance to Change Identified as Key Barriers to Expanding Vegetable Consumption Patterns during Interactive Family-Based Program for Appalachian Low-Income Food Preparers Most experimental couples reported in-home tasting and evaluation was worthwhile and somewhat broadened vegetables served at dinners. But the role expectation of serving only what everyone liked and the practice of honoring powerful family members' vegetable preferences remained major barriers to change.

4. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Journal Vegetable Variety: An Effective Strategy to Increase Vegetable Intake in Adults Subjects ate more vegetables when served the variety than when served any single type. This increase remained significant when intake of the variety of vegetables was compared with the preferred vegetable of each participant. The results of this study demonstrate that increasing the variety of low-energy-dense vegetables served at a meal can be used as a strategy to increase vegetable intake. Predictors of Fruit and Vegetable Intake in Young Adulthood Factors examined in adolescence and in emerging adulthood that were predictive of F/V intake in young adulthood included favorable taste preferences, fewer perceived time barriers to healthy eating, higher/limited home availability of F/V. Additional factors that were specifically relevant to fruit or vegetable intake and of particular relevance during emerging adulthood breakfast consumption, home preparation, and significant other’s attitude. Findings suggest individual and socio-environmental factors, particularly food preferences and home food availability, during adolescence and emerging adulthood may influence F/V intake in young adulthood.

5. BRFSS FV Screener (1994-2009) These next questions are about the foods you usually eat or drink. Please tell me how often you eat or drink each one, for example, twice a week, three times a month, and so forth. Remember, I am only interested in the foods you eat. Include all foods you eat, both at home and away from home. 1) How often do you drink fruit juices such as orange, grapefruit, or tomato? 2) Not counting juice, how often do you eat fruit? 3) How often do you eat green salad? 4) How often do you eat potatoes not including French fries, fried potatoes, or potato chips? 5) How often do you eat carrots? 6) Not counting carrots, potatoes, or salad, how many servings of vegetables do you usually eat?

6. Revised FV Screener (2011-) During the past month, how many times per day, week or month did you [drink] or [eat] 1)…100% PURE fruit juices? Do not include fruit-flavored drinks with added sugar or fruit juice you made at home and added sugar to. Only include 100% juice.   2)…fruit? Count fresh, frozen, or canned fruit.   3)…cooked or canned beans, such as refried, baked, black, garbanzo beans, beans in soup, soybeans, edamame, tofu or lentils. Do NOT include long green beans. 4)…dark green vegetables for example broccoli or dark leafy greens including romaine, chard, collard greens or spinach? 5)…orange-colored vegetables such as sweet potatoes, pumpkin, winter squash, or carrots? 6)…OTHER vegetables? Examples of other vegetables include tomatoes, tomato juice or V-8 juice, corn, eggplant, peas, lettuce, cabbage, and white potatoes that are not fried such as baked or mashed potatoes.

7. Farm to Family • Farm to Family is an innovative pilot initiative designed to make fresh, local produce easily available to low income families from areas of Boston, MA with limited access to healthy food. • Weekly subsidized farm shares offered to families and staff at distribution sites. • Full value of each farm share: ~$15.00/week; Participants could purchase the farm shares for $5.00/week. • $10.00 difference between the value and cost of each share covered through grants and donor funds raised by TFP, as well as a sponsorship option added to the cost of full price Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) shares. • Participants had the option to pay for their farm shares with SNAP (food stamp) benefits. • www.thefoodproject.org/f2f

8. September Fruit and Veggie Month • Media Promotions • Community Promotions • Worksite Promotions • Events

9. Second Annual Food Day

10. CDC State Indicator Report on Fruits and Vegetables • State Indicator Report on Fruits and Vegetables • Behavioral indicators: • Adult and adolescent fruit and vegetable consumption • Policy and Environmental indicators: • Healthier food retail in communities • Healthier foods & nutrition services in schools • Food system support

11. Fruit and Veggie Action Plan • Based on CDC National Action Guide • Healthier Food Retail • Fruit and Vegetable Availability in Schools • Encourage Food System Support

12. Questions?