Impact of personal preference and motivation on fruit and vegetable consumption of WIC-participating mothers and children in Atlanta, GA.

OBJECTIVE To determine the effect of psychosocial and sociodemographic factors on consumption of fruits and vegetables (F&V) for women and children participating in the Atlanta Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children. METHODS Participants (n = 249) were selected from 2 Atlanta Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children agencies. Data from this analysis were collected from in-person interviews. The dichotomous dependent variable was whether participants met recommended intakes for F&V. Independent variables were personal preference and motivation factors of F&V consumption, and sociodemographic factors. Bivariate analysis determined significant factors to include in logistic models. RESULTS Only 27.7% of mothers and 44.2% of their oldest child consumed > 5 servings of F&V daily. Not knowing how to prepare F&Vs and spoilage of F&V before eating them were significantly related to F&V consumption of mothers. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Food storage and preparation resulted in significant differences in meeting criteria for F&V consumption. Future initiatives should include cooking classes and emphasize food preparation techniques.