Less Fruits & Veggies

The newest study reveals that rural residents eat fewer fresh fruits and vegetables than their urban counterparts. That caught me by surprise. One would definitely have thought it to be the other way around; with the general consensus being that those consumers who live closer to where fruits and vegetables are grown would by all rights eat more of them. This upside down fruit and vegetable cart however seems to be the norm in over thirty-seven states. According to the study’s lead researcher it all boils down to access and cost, stating that “you could be a rural person living next to a huge farm that produces fruits and vegetables and not have the means to buy them.” But once again you have to wonder how it was determined that rural people eat less fresh produce? Was it based on the amount purchased at a supermarket; not taking into account that in rural areas fresh produce is often purchased at farmers’ markets or roadside stands, or perhaps even acquired from family and friends gardens? Also, for several living in rural areas self canned produce is the norm, providing families with fruits and veggies well into the off season.