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Objectives.Consumption of fruit and vegetables among children is generally below recommended levels. This evaluation addressed two questions: ( 1) To what extent did children's attitudes toward, familiarity with, and preferences for fruit and vegetables change during the school year? and ( 2) To what extent did children's consumption of fruit and vegetables change during the school year?Methods.During the 2004–2005 school year, the Mississippi Department of Education, Child Nutrition Programs initiated a pilot program to distribute free fruit and vegetables to students (kindergarten through 12th grade) during the school day. Data were collected in 2004–2005 within a one-group pretest/posttest design using a self-report questionnaire ( n=725) and 24-hour dietary recalls ( n=207) with a sample of students from five schools in Mississippi. Data were analyzed in 2006–2007.Results.Results showed greater familiarity with fruit and vegetables at all grade levels ( pConclusions.Distributing free fruit and vegetables at school may be a viable component of a more comprehensive approach for improving students' nutrition attitudes and behaviors. More program emphasis is needed on ways to promote vegetable consumption.

Objectives. We examined trends in fruit and vegetable consumption in the United States. Methods. A 6-item food frequency questionnaire was used to assess consumption among 434 121 adults in 49 states and the District of Columbia who were sampled in random-digit-dialed telephone surveys administered in 1994, 1996, 1998, and 2000. Results. Although the geometric mean frequency of fruit and vegetable consumption declined slightly, the proportion of respondents consuming fruits and vegetables 5 or more times per day did not change. With the exception of the group aged 18 to 24 years, which experienced a 3-percentage-point increase, little change was seen among sociodemographic subgroups. Conclusions. Frequency of fruit and vegetable consumption changed little from 1994 to 2000. If increases are to be achieved, additional efforts and new strategies will be needed.