Definition:
Percent of youth in grades 8, 10, and 12 who ate the recommended 5 or more servings per day.

Why is this important:
Fruits and vegetables contain vitamins, minerals, fiber and other substances that are important for good health. A healthy diet in adolescence is important for proper growth and development and can help prevent some health problems such as obesity, dental caries, and iron deficiency anemia.   

Where are we:
In Spokane County, a quarter of youth ate the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables. There was no significant change in fruit and vegetable intake from 2004 to 2008. The proportion of Spokane County youth who ate the recommended number of fruits and vegetables in 2008 was similar to that of Washington State in 2008 and significantly higher than the national percentage in 2009.

Health Disparities:
Among youth in Spokane County in 2008:

• Males were more likely to have eaten 5 or more servings per day than females.
• Compared to Whites, both Native Americans/Alaska Natives and Asian/Pacific Islanders were more likely to have eaten 5 or more servings per day.
• There was no difference in youth fruit and vegetable intake by age or maternal education level.

Additional Information:
The types of fruit and vegetables that individuals eat may depend upon several factors, such as personal preference, seasonality, availability, and affordability.

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(click to enlarge)