Indicators of Household Composition Are Associated with Adherence to Fruit and Vegetable Intake Recommendations Among Caretakers Eligible for SNAP with Children

Inadequate fruit and vegetable consumption is associated with increased risk of chronic disease. Yet, many individuals consume below the recommended intake according to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA). This study aimed to examine the association of adherence to the DGA (2020–2025) recommendations for fruit and vegetable (FV) intake of 1.5–2 cups of fruits and 2–3 cups of vegetables daily for adults among caretakers with a child(ren) living in households eligible for a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of 85 caretakers with children in an urban neighborhood of low-income in the Bronx, New York (NY). Log-binomial regressions demonstrated that having more children (RR 1.36; 95% CI 1.15–1.59), younger children (RR 1.22; 95% CI 1.07–1.39), or children participating in a school lunch program (RR 1.47; 95% CI 1.16–1.85) was positively associated with caretakers’ probability of adhering to the DGA recommendations for FV intake. Our study highlights the eating behaviors of families living with children ≤ 10 years of age, many of whom were participating in a school lunch program, and underscores the dietary benefits associated with these characteristics.