With more than 46 million Americans participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and 12.8 million Americans unemployed,] canned foods are playing a significant role as a staple in the American diet. A new survey reveals that 90 percent of Americans depend on canned fruits and vegetables for part of their produce intake. Those in food assistance programs consume canned fruits and vegetables at an even higher rate than the average American.
In an average week, Americans consume more than five (5.5) cans of fruits and vegetables. Those who receive food assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Women, Infant and Children Programs (WIC) consume an additional 1.6 cans of fruit and vegetables in an average week.
"This survey shows that canned foods play an important role in helping Americans meet the government's recommended dietary guidelines for fruits and vegetables," said Sherrie Rosenblatt, Vice President of Marketing and Communications at the Can Manufacturers Institute (CMI). "In these more difficult economic times, families can stretch their grocery budgets by choosing canned foods, a decision made easier when they know that canned fruits and vegetables, in particular, can be equal to and more nutritious than fresh, according to our research."
