Tracking the Use of Free Produce Coupons Given to Families and the Impact on Children’s Consumption

American children typically eat fewer fruits and vegetables than recommended by guidelines. This study examines whether free coupons can increase children’s fruit and vegetable intake at home.

Families of the participating students received weekly coupons for fresh fruits and vegetables over a 1-month period. Pretest and posttest surveys were conducted to measure change in consumption. Each survey consisted of 3 consecutive days of self-reported dietary recall of each student’s fruit and vegetable intake for dinner.

Coupon redemption across the 4-week study was 27.3%. There was evidence of increased vegetable consumption, but not fruit consumption.

We identified successes and challenges that can guide practitioners, policymakers, and other academic researchers in future endeavors to meet this goal.