BRENTWOOD, MO - Offering some exclusive insight into both fresh produce consumption and federal funding, the Produce for Better Health Foundation (PBH) has partnered with Nutrition On Demand (NOD) to release the DRAFT Fruit & Vegetable Gap Analysis: Bridging The Disparity Between Federal Spending & America's Consumption Crisis report.

For the first time ever, the draft will be open for a 30-day public comment period, during which comments will be considered for integration into the report’s final analysis, results, and recommendations issued later in 2022.

“We are experiencing a chronic fruit and vegetable consumption crisis in America that is affecting our health, our society, and our economy,” stated Wendy Reinhardt Kapsak, MS, RDN, President and Chief Executive Officer of PBH. “The Fruit & Vegetable Gap Analysis illuminates several opportunities to increase the focus on fruits and vegetables within all levels of government research, feeding and nutrition education initiatives to meaningfully address America’s consumption gap and improve public health.”

The NOD senior leadership team, which has over 15 years of government service experience combined, led the data collection, analysis, and insight generation in partnership with PBH. According to a press release, the analysis assesses publicly available government data to examine how key government agencies currently fund efforts to assist Americans with increasing their consumption of fruits and vegetables. In addition, the analysis identifies gaps and opportunities to enhance these initiatives to ensure federal spending aligns with current dietary guidance.

The most recent Fruit & Vegetable Gap Analysis is rooted in the 2010 and 2015 GAP Analyses, yet does not directly replicate the previous studies as data sources and the current environment warrant new methodological approaches, as explained in the release.

“Fruits and vegetables are consistently two of the most under-consumed food groups in America—yet Congress largely does not earmark funds for their promotion. This has a significant trickle-down effect on the departments and agencies responsible for promoting public health and, ultimately, the consumer,” says Shelley Maniscalco, MPH, RDN, Founder and Owner of Nutrition On Demand. “This report strives to be as transparent and detailed as possible so that it can be replicated and utilized by others. In addition, all public comments are encouraged. We want to hear from all who feel strongly about improving public health through fruits and vegetables.”

The DRAFT Fruit & Vegetable Gap Analysis report is now open for a 30-day public comment period and can be accessed online. 

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Produce for Better Health Foundation Nutrition on Demand