Updated March 2017
Author: Physical Activity and Nutrition Program, Vermont Department of Health
The US Dietary Guidelines 2015-2020 recommend 5 servings of fruits and vegetables for adolescents. At every meal, half of the plate should be filled with fruits and vegetables. Consuming the recommended amounts of fruits and vegetables is beneficial and helps reduce the risk of obesity.
In 2015, the Vermont Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) data showed that 76% of Vermont adolescents grades 9-12 reported they did not eat five servings of fruits and vegetables a day. This is slightly below the 2013 level of 77%.
One possible reason for this change is that in 2012 the National School Lunch and Breakfast program menu standards were changed to include more fruits and vegetables in each meal.
There are several evidence-based strategies that can be used to increase the number of adolescents eating the daily recommended servings of fruit and vegetables:
More information can be found in the CDC Guide to Strategies to Increase the Consumption of Fruits and Vegetables.
At the Vermont Department of Health, multiple strategies are being utilized to increase fruit consumption among adolescents:
Fruits and vegetables contribute important nutrients for the human body.Eating a diet high in fruits and vegetables is associated with a decreased risk of many chronic diseases including obesity, heart disease, stroke, hypertension, diabetes, and some cancers. Eating fruits and vegetables can also help with weight management. Encouraging teens to eat more fruits and vegetables will provide them with the nourishment they need as they continue to grow. It also will build healthy habits to carry through adulthood.
The Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) is a paper survey administered in Vermont middle and high schools every two years since 1993. The survey is sponsored by the Department of Health's Division of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Programs, and the Department of Education's Coordinated School Health Programs and the CDC. The YRBS measures the prevalence of behaviors that contribute to the leading causes of death, disease, and injury among youth. Vermont surveys over 30,000 students at each administration. Weighted data is compiled to generate a representative state sample, and local data is used by schools, supervisory unions, health programs and other local organizations. The YRBS is completed in over 40 other states and there is a national weighted sample for comparison. Data are updated as it becomes available and timing is based on when results from the survey are released.
Prevalence and percentages are calculated by using descriptive statistical procedures using software such as SPSS, SAS, and/or SUDAAN. These statistics describe the proportion of individuals with a given trait in the population during a specified period of time.
Note that prior to 2013, statewide estimates were generated by weighting repossess from a representative sample of schools. In 2013, the methodology was changed and all student responses were used in creating statewide estimates, allowing for more accurate reporting. 2011 data were recalculated in the same way as 2013 data in order to improve comparisons.