Association between fruit and vegetable consumption and chronic diseases among food pantry users

Abstract

AbstractIntroductionFruit and vegetable (FV) consumption can be a protective factor for chronic diseases, but few studies have investigated FV’s impact on health in the context of food/nutrition assistance system.MethodsWe used three health survey data collected in Upstate New York communities to construct a predictive model of food pantry use. The model was applied to a Northeastern US regional subset of SMART Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) data to identify potential food pantry users. The associations between FV intake and diabetes, hypertension, and BMI were examined through multivariable logistic regression and linear regression analyses with food pantry use as a potential effect modifier.ResultsThe analysis dataset had 5,257 respondents, and 634 individuals were estimated as food pantry users. Consumption of vegetables was associated with decreased odds of hypertension and a lower BMI regardless of food pantry use. Consumption of fruits was associated with decreased odds of diabetes regardless of food pantry use. The association between fruit consumption and BMI was modified by food pantry use. Among food pantry users, consumption of fruits was associated with a greater BMI, while among food pantry non-users, it was associated with a lower BMI.ConclusionThe overall protective effects of increased FV consumption on chronic diseases suggest that increasing FV availability in food pantries may not only alleviate hunger but also improve health. Further research is needed to investigate the role of fruit including 100% fruit juice consumption and BMI among food pantry users.