Fresh Produce in Rural Iowa: Availability and Accessibility

• Published in: Journal of hunger & environmental nutrition Vol. 2; no. 2-3; pp. 5 - 17
• Main Authors: Lasley, Emily C.K., Litchfield, Ruth E.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Taylor & Francis Group 15-04-2008
• Subjects: availability; cost; Fruit; nutrition environment; rural; vegetable
• ISSN: 1932-0248; 1932-0256
• DOI: 10.1080/19320240801891404

Fruit and vegetable consumption does not meet current recommendations despite many benefits of consuming a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. Limited success with individual behavior interventions has shifted research and interventions to environmental change, as the nutrition environment likely influences consumer behavior. Fresh produce availability (10 fruits, 10 vegetables) and cost was examined in 12 rural communities using the Nutrition Environment Measures Survey (NEMS). Small communities (population ≤ 5,000) had less available fresh produce (5 items; p < 0.05) and more expensive fresh produce (6 items; p < 0.05). Nutrition environments, including fresh produce availability and cost, require further study as factors influencing consumer behavior.