The CDC Guide to Fruit & Vegetable Strategies to Increase Access, Availability and Consumption

Consuming a diet high in fruits and vegetables is associated with a decreased risk of many chronic diseases, including heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes, and some cancers. Research has also found that replacing foods of high energy density (high calories per weight of food) with foods of lower energy density, such as fruits and vegetables, can be an important part of a weight management strategy. Additionally, fruits and vegetables are good sources of many important nutrients including potassium, vitamin C, folate, fiber, and numerous phytochemicals. The importance of fruits and vegetables as part of healthy diets is illustrated by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005 where two of four “Food Groups to Encourage” are fruits and vegetables. Also, the USDA Food Guide, represented by MyPyramid, recommends eating 2 to 6 ½ cups of fruits and vegetables per day depending on age, sex, and activity level.

This document provides guidance and direction in selecting strategies to increase access and availability of fruits and vegetables. It offers the most relevant information on each type of strategy to help the reader make wise decisions.