I recently saw this exchange between a mom and child in my local produce department.  The child pointed to a produce item and asked her mom if they could purchase some.  The mom’s response: “No, they aren’t organic.”   While we can hear dietitians everywhere saying, “No, please buy the fruit!” organizations like the Environmental Working Group (EWG), authors of the so-called “dirty dozen” list, just smile.

Despite their protestations to the contrary, the EWG and similar groups want consumers to limit their choices in the produce aisle to one production method by discouraging the purchase of the more accessible and affordable forms of produce.

Peer reviewed research has shown the result of inaccurate EWG-type safety messaging may be reduced overall produce purchasing – both organic and conventional.  This is a disservice to consumers and is negatively impacting the ability of public health officials to increase consumption.

And, we need to increase consumption. Only one in 10 of us eat enough of these nutrient-dense foods, according to the Centers for Disease Control.  What’s more, decades of nutritional studies (mostly conducted using conventionally grown produce) show the immense health benefits of consuming more fruits and vegetables every day.  These benefits include a reduced risk of numerous diseases and a longer lifespan.

Recognizing the benefits of an improved diet, the U.S. Department of Agriculture recently announced it would provide $59 million for produce prescriptions designed to encourage Americans to eat more healthfully by increasing access to fresh fruits and vegetables. USDA’s program will provide incentives at the point of purchase among income-eligible consumers participating in USDA’s SNAP and income-eligible consumers participating in other USDA nutrition assistance programs.

Produce prescriptions are supported by peer reviewed research.  One study from Tufts University found that produce prescriptions could prevent 1.93 million cardiovascular events (such as heart attacks) and 350,000 deaths, as well as cut healthcare costs by $40 billion.

As a mom, I respect the food choices of parents.  We all do the best we can with the information at hand.  But, this exchange increases my commitment to work harder every day to provide science-based information that reassures consumers they can buy and consume organic and conventionally grown fruits and vegetables with confidence. So maybe next time, the mom buys the fruit the child craved. #NoMoreDirtyDozen

Teresa Thorne

Executive Director, Alliance for Food and Farming