Understanding the Process of Prioritizing Fruit and Vegetable Purchases in Families With Low Incomes: “A Peach May Not Fill You Up as Much as Hamburger”

Abstract

Fruits and vegetables (F&V) are an important component of a healthy diet, but few children are meeting the recommended number of servings. Children from families with limited resources may be least likely to meet the recommendation. This study was designed to understand the strategies and priorities of families with low income related to purchasing F&V. We conducted qualitative, in-depth telephone interviews with low-income parents of elementary school-aged children as part of a random sample of parents participating in a telephone survey who agreed to be contacted for an in-depth interview. Interview transcripts were coded based on predetermined codes that were informed by the research questions. F&V were not considered staples by parents and cost was one of the main concerns. Parents equated F&V with fresh F&V. Interventions encouraging F&V purchasing by families with low income need to find new ways to address the issue of cost, including advocating for F&V in all forms (fresh, frozen, canned, and dried).

The more that households prioritise healthy eating, the better they can afford to consume a sufficient quantity and variety of fruits and vegetables

“…Individuals in lower income households consume even less than individuals in higher income households do (7,8) . Moreover, in surveys and focus group analyses, lower income households often cite costs as a barrier to increased fruit and/or vegetable consumption (9)(10)(11)(12) . Some research investigating why lower income Americans may believe fruits and vegetables are unaffordable focuses on food prices.…”

“…Another relevant strand of research focuses on how American households budget their food dollars. In particular, when money is tight, households may prioritise certain types of foods over others (9,15) . Meats are often purchased first (9,15) .…”

“…In particular, when money is tight, households may prioritise certain types of foods over others (9,15) . Meats are often purchased first (9,15) . Grains, such as pasta and rice, may also be prioritised because households believe these foods are satiating and serve to 'stretch out' other foods (e.g.…”

“…Grains, such as pasta and rice, may also be prioritised because households believe these foods are satiating and serve to 'stretch out' other foods (e.g. preparing meat with rice or pasta ensures that the meat can serve more people) (9) . Fruits and vegetables, by contrast, are not generally a priority (9) .…”

“…preparing meat with rice or pasta ensures that the meat can serve more people) (9) . Fruits and vegetables, by contrast, are not generally a priority (9) . Little money may be left over for them.…”