Differences in Fruit and Vegetable Intake by Race/Ethnicity and by Hispanic Origin and Nativity Among Women in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, 2015

Abstract

IntroductionThe objective of this exploratory study was to determine whether fruit and vegetable consumption differed by race/ethnicity, by origin and nativity among Hispanics, and by language preference (as an indicator of acculturation) among foreign-born Hispanics.MethodsWe recruited 723 women enrolled in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) and orally administered a questionnaire containing demographic items, validated measures of food security status and social desirability trait, and the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System fruit and vegetable module. Differences in intakes of 100% fruit juice, fruit, cooked or canned beans, and dark green, orange-colored, and other vegetables were assessed by using analysis of covariance with Bonferroni post hoc tests. Analyses were controlled for age, pregnancy status, breastfeeding status, food security status, educational attainment, and social desirability trait.ResultsThe frequency of vegetable intake differed by race/ethnicity (cooked or canned beans were consumed more often among Hispanic than non-Hispanic black and non-Hispanic white or other participants, orange-colored vegetables were consumed more often among Hispanics than non-Hispanic black participants, and other vegetables were consumed more often among non-Hispanic white or other than among non-Hispanic black and Hispanic participants), origin (other vegetables were consumed more often among Columbian and other Hispanics than Dominican participants) and nativity (orange-colored vegetables were consumed more often among foreign-born than US-born Hispanics). Fruit and vegetable intake did not differ by language preference among foreign-born Hispanics.ConclusionDifferences in fruit and vegetable consumption among WIC participants by race/ethnicity and by Hispanic origin and nativity may have implications for WIC nutrition policies and nutrition education efforts.

Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Dietary Intake of U.S. Children Participating in WIC

“…We also observed greater legume intake among Hispanic children, which may be related to the higher fiber intake. The greater legume intake among Hispanic children in this nationally representative sample is consistent with findings from regional studies of adult women participating in WIC [25], suggesting that Hispanic women and children have similar dietary behaviors that involve greater legume intake compared to their respective non-Hispanic White counterparts. For potassium intake, it is unclear which foods are driving the higher potassium intake among Hispanic children, though it is possible that this is also related to dairy consumption, as milk is a key source of potassium [26].…”

Understanding the Intersection of Race/Ethnicity, Socioeconomic Status, and Geographic Location: A Scoping Review of U.S. Consumer Food Purchasing

“…Fewer consistencies were noted between NHB and NHW although several studies reported greater SSB and sugar purchasing among NHB compared to NHW. These findings align with the dietary consumption literature, which continues to highlight significant racial/ethnic differences in intake among adults and children [ 8 , 10 , 54 , 55 , 56 ]. Additional studies are needed to establish consistent patterns in food and beverage purchasing by racial/ethnic group.…”

“…Future studies should evaluate consumer food and/or beverage purchases across a greater variety of racial/ethnic groups (i.e., non-Hispanic Asian, Native American, Pacific Islander, etc.). Given the heterogeneous composition of all races and ethnicities, future studies could conduct robust assessments of purchasing within groups, which will permit the study of characteristics such as acculturation and nativity—two factors that are often considered in studies of diet quality [ 55 , 56 ]. In recent years, public health research has placed greater emphasis on socio-political factors that create racial/ethnic inequities in health such as structural and systemic racism [ 57 ].…”

Differences in Consumption of NASEM Priority Nutrients and Food Groups by Race/Ethnicity Among Women Living in WIC-Participating Households

“…The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is a federal nutrition assistance program that provides supplemental, nutrient-dense foods and beverages, nutrition education, and referrals to social/medical services for eligible pregnant, post-partum, and breastfeeding women up to their fifth birthday. 1 A limited number of studies have explored the relationship between race/ethnicity and dietary intake among WIC women, [2][3][4] but these studies are limited in generalizability, and differences in nutrients/food groups commonly under-/overconsumed by WIC women remain unknown. Therefore, the objective of this study was to use nationally representative data to examine racial/ethnic differences in dietary intake of women living in WICparticipating households, with a focus on the priority nutrients and food groups described in the 2017 report by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM).…”