How to get kids to eat veggies amid the parasite outbreak

Key Points:

• A recent BMJ Global Health study analyzing dietary surveys from 185 countries found that children worldwide are not eating enough fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, and starchy vegetables, with only limited improvement over nearly three decades.
• In the U.S., babies and toddlers consume relatively high amounts of fruits and vegetables, but intake declines significantly in older children and teenagers, partly due to increased exposure to unhealthy foods and marketing.
• Fruits and vegetables are essential for children's growth and long-term health, reducing risks of chronic diseases; early healthy eating habits tend to persist into adulthood.
• Despite a multistate cyclospora outbreak linked to fresh produce, experts advise families to continue eating fruits and vegetables while following safe food handling practices, as the benefits outweigh the risks.
• To encourage children to eat more produce, parents should offer fruits and vegetables consistently, avoid pressuring picky eaters, involve kids in food preparation, and consider all forms—fresh, frozen, or canned—that fit their family's needs.