Summary of Comment Results

Summary of Community Food Assessment Results 295 clients of food bank agencies (pantries, soup kitchens and pantries) were interviewed on barriers to fruits and vegetable consumption and physical activities, etc. This is a preliminary summary of the results of this survey. Data is available both broken into zip codes and into the types of site. 5 a Day Consumption Rates 38.2% of the low-income individuals surveyed stated that they eat 5 fruits and vegetables a day every day. The statewide average for daily consumption of 5 a Day among the general population (2004 CNN Benchmark Survey) is 36.5%. Among low-income mothers the rate is 39.9% and among food stamp recipients, it is 39.6%. At Pantries- 43.8% At Soup kitchens- 30% At Shelters- 10.7% These results indicate a need to add more fruits and vegetables to the menus at soup kitchens and shelters, and to increase access to produce to these clients (transportation, resources to purchase, etc.). Barriers to 5 a Day The following were cited as the barriers to eating enough fruits and vegetables: Produce too expensive where subjects shop 51.4% Watsonville 58.8% Don’t have transportation to quality produce 15.5% Watsonville 20% Family doesn’t like vegetables 12.2% Few stores with produce in neighborhood 12.2% No time to prepare fruits and vegetables 9.8% Factors in Selecting Produce Price 70.9% Quality 68.2% Organic 27.6% ...