Effects of Parental Nativity and Length of Stay in the US on Fruit and Vegetable Intake Among WIC-Enrolled Preschool-Aged Children

Exposure to US culture is negatively associated with fruits and vegetables (F&V) intake. Our goal was to investigate how parent’s nativity and length of stay in the US influences preschoolers’ F&V intake. We analyzed survey data from 2,352 children, aged 36–60 months, who participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) in Los Angeles County. Using multiple linear regression, we examined children’s F&V intake by parent’s nativity and years in the US, adjusting for possible confounders. Children of foreign born parents who had lived in the US for <10 years consumed fewer servings of vegetables than children of US born parents and of foreign born parents who had lived in the US for ≥10 years. Children of newer immigrant families may be at greater risk for consuming poor-quality diets. Research to identify determinants of poor diet quality among children of immigrant families may increase the effectiveness of WIC in addressing this population’s nutritional needs.