Likelihood of eating fresh produce increases with income for US adults, new CDC report shows
Summary
A new CDC report shows that adults with higher incomes in the U.S. eat more fresh fruits and vegetables than those with lower incomes. Cuts to food assistance programs and costly new dietary guidelines are making it harder for low-income people to afford healthy foods.Key Facts
- The CDC report covers adults over 20 years old from 2021 to 2023.
- Over 90% of Americans ate some vegetable daily, and about 70% ate some fruit daily.
- Higher income adults are more likely to eat vegetables like dark greens and fruits such as berries and citrus.
- Adults earning less than 130% of the federal poverty level ($20,748 for one person) eat less fruit (56%) than those earning 350% of poverty level ($55,860) at 76%.
- Food assistance program enrollment has dropped due to Republican-led changes that include work requirements and state cost-sharing.
- New U.S. dietary guidelines led by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. recommend foods that cost more, such as fresh produce and animal protein.
- The average food assistance benefit provides about $3 per person per day, while recommended diets cost about $15.82 per day.
- Experts warn that cuts to food benefits could increase food insecurity, especially among children and low-income families.
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