Family Eating Habits Influence the Consumption of Fresh Fruits and Vegetables among African American Youth

Research by a group from Iowa State University indicates that the eating habits of parents largely influence that of their children especially fresh fruits and vegetables. Since cost is a major factor that dictates what a person eats maybe making fresh fruits and vegetables more accessible with encourage healthy eating among the African Americans, a group that has a very high incidence of obesity. Policy decisions like taxes on junk food and discount coupons for fruits and vegetables may also encourage the healthy eating habit. Understanding the family eating trends in relation to price will help formulating these policies. Looking at the interaction between youths and their friends the study shows that although peer pressure influences substance use and abuse, there was no similar affect with regard to fruit and vegetable consumption. This is primarily because young friends meet up in places like cafes and diners where junk food is their food of choice. Policies therefore have to be aimed at the family meal scenario.