Decline over 2 decades in the quantity of vegetables available for consumption in the United States

According to an ERS (Economic Research Service) report issued by the USDA, the US Department of Agriculture, the quantity of vegetables available for consumption in the United States has declined.

 

In 2003, according to the report, the annual quantity of vegetables available for consumption in the United States was 413.9 pounds (187.7kg) per capita. By 2022, however, this figure will have fallen to just 359.1 pounds (162.8 kg). This represents a variation of -13.24% over 2 decades.

 

The combined share of starchy foods (excluding potatoes), tomatoes, other vegetables and potatoes fell to 78% of the total in 2022, compared with almost 84% in 2003. 

 

The dietary guidelines for healthy eating divide vegetables into sub-groups according to their nutrient content:

.legumes (dried beans, peas, lentils)

.dark green vegetables (broccoli, lettuce, spinach, etc.)

.other vegetables (artichokes, asparagus, cabbage, aubergines, onions, etc.) 

.red and orange (peppers, carrots, pumpkin, sweet potato...)

.tomatoes

Starchy foods (including potatoes).

 

A graph, using USDA data and updated in May 2024, has been drawn up showing the annual availability of various vegetables in the United States between 2003 and 2022.