Researchers from John Hopkins University’s Center for a Livable Future conducted interviews to learn more about the way organic food is understood within consumers’ definitions of healthy food.  The conclusion from this peer reviewed research:  “In order to empower consumers to make healthy choices, we need to create dietary advice that is culturally sensitive, based on economically accessible foods, and takes into account the many competing messages about diet and health that bombard consumers on a regular basis.”

With the science clearly supporting the safety and healthiness of all forms of produce, following this recommendation and unifying to support consumer choice should be assumed, especially since we are experiencing what many are calling a “consumption crisis” with only one in 10 of us eating enough each day.   But instead, some groups engage in inaccurately disparaging the more affordable and accessible produce items, which may result in consumers questioning their choices.

As more Americans struggle with food insecurity during this pandemic, the barriers to eating a healthy diet may be increasing. So why would groups continue to resort to “name-calling” to promote one production method when other peer reviewed research shows this tactic negatively impacts likely purchases of any produce – organic or conventional – among low income consumers?  Why would you work to create a “fear barrier” to consumption?

This is certainly not in the best interest of public health.  With decades of past studies and new research continually being released that shows a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can help prevent diseases, improve overall health and lead to a longer life, it is time to put consumers first and unify efforts to support their choices.  Consumers should be encouraged to choose whatever produce they prefer in terms of taste, convenience and affordability.

To overcome this “consumption crisis” it will take widespread resources and support from both private and public initiatives.  But eliminating the “fear barrier” by stopping inaccurate product disparagement about the most popular fruits and vegetables would directly benefit these “eat more” initiatives and positively impact consumers.

And, think about this – if just half of all Americans increased their consumption of fruits and vegetables by a single serving each day, 20,000 cancers could be prevented annually.  That’s just one example of the power of produce and the reason to support consumer choice.

#NoMoreDirtyDozen, #FactsNotFear, #EatMoreProduce