Updated February 2024

Author: Physical Activity and Nutrition Program, Vermont Department of Health

This indicator, or population measure, is part of our Healthy Vermonters 2030 data set. Read more about how this data helps us understand and improve the well-being of people in Vermont on the Healthy Vermonters 2030 webpage.

Because this data is meant to show how the health of our state changes during the decade from 2020-2030, some indicators may have very few data points for now. Keep checking back to see the progress our public health system and partners are making.

The amount of vegetables needed in the diet depends on age, sex, and level of physical activity. In general, the recommended daily amount of vegetables for teens is 3 servings.

By 2030 we want to see at least 20 percent of teens in grades 9 to 12 eat vegetables three or more times a day each week.

In 2021 the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) data showed that 17% of Vermont teens in grades 9-12 reported eating vegetables three or more times daily in the past week. This rate is similar across grades, among girls and boys, and regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

When looking at the trend over time, it is important to compare 2021 data to 2019 data with caution. The 2021 survey was given in the fall of 2021 rather than the usual spring schedule due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This meant those taking the survey were about six months younger than they would have been if the survey was given on schedule. Additionally, while schools were back to in-person learning, there were still major impacts from the pandemic impacting school and home life. The COVID-19 pandemic increased the number of families in Vermont struggling with nutrition security. This may have affected the data during this time.

Looking for more data?

• Look at previous data on students in grades 9-12 eating vegetables from our 2020 Scorecards.
• See the corresponding national Healthy People 2030 objective for increasing vegetable consumption (note this is for all people over age 2).

Fruits and vegetables provide important nutrients for the human body. Eating a diet high in fruits and vegetables is linked to a decreased risk of many chronic diseases including heart disease, stroke, hypertension, diabetes, and some cancers. 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 strong habits to carry through adulthood.

Although no population groups met the target of 20% eating 3 vegetables a day, those who identify as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) eat significantly more vegetables than white non-Hispanic students. The COVID-19 pandemic increased the number of families in Vermont struggling with nutrition security. This may have affected the data during this time.

Universal school meals (free meals for all students regardless of income) were available for all students during the pandemic. In 2023, the Vermont Legislature voted to make universal school meals permanent. These meals follow the USDA School Breakfast and Lunch regulations including full servings of fruit and vegetables at lunch and full servings of fruit at breakfast. This will allow all students access to fruits and vegetables during the school day.

Vermont Department of Health’s Physical Activity and Nutrition program works in partnership with other state and private organizations in Vermont to address nutrition insecurity. This includes SNAP-Ed, a nutrition education program for people eligible for SNAP (3Squares in Vermont) benefits. Nutrition education occurs in places where people go to receive food, such as Veggie Van Go sites around the state. Additionally, at Community Garden sites in Vermont, Vermont Community Garden Network plants gardens for community use and education regarding gardening and using the produce is available. State staff also work with coalitions aiming to strengthen nutrition security through the Vermont Farm to Plate network and the Vermont Farm to Schools and Early Childcare network.

At the Vermont Department of Health, multiple strategies are being utilized to increase vegetable consumption among teens:

• Farm to School: Schools participating in Farm to School programs help students to learn about where their food comes from, while also supporting local farms. Often students have a hand in growing and preparing vegetables at school, through these programs. Farm to school exposes students to new vegetables and helps them develop the habit of eating vegetables daily.
• USDA School lunch and breakfast requirements: In 2010 the school lunch requirements changed to include healthier items including more whole grains, adjusted portion sizes and vegetables at each meal. Additionally, participating schools and school districts are required to write and implement a local wellness policy that focuses on nutrition, nutrition education and physical activity. The Vermont Department of Health, Vermont Agency of Education and Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets developed the Vermont School Wellness Policy Guidelines to support schools in this work.
• Improved access for low income families through SNAP/3SquaresVT: The Vermont Department of Health is partnering with 3Squares to help those eligible for 3Squares learn how to store and use fresh produce. Many of these participants are parents with teens at home.

The Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) is survey administered in Vermont middle and high schools every two years. The survey is sponsored by many organizations across the state, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (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. 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 sample for comparison for most questions. Data will be updated as it becomes available, and timing is based on when results from the survey are released.

Detailed analyses of Vermont data also inform on special subpopulations. Please refer to the YRBS data page for annual reports and population-specific data briefs. 

When looking at the trend over time, it is important to compare 2021 data to 2019 data with caution. The 2021 survey was given in the fall of 2021 rather than the usual spring schedule due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This meant those taking the survey were about six months younger than they would have been if the survey was given on schedule. Additionally, while schools were back to in-person learning, there were still major impacts from the pandemic impacting school and home life.