Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index data shows that more Americans said they ate healthy all day yesterday, marking a small improvement in 2009 (to 66.4% versus 65.9% in 2008). In contrast, the percentage of those reporting eating five or more servings of fresh fruits and vegetables for at least four days in the previous week slipped (to 55.6% compared to 56.4% in 2008).

Comments released with the data suggest the recession and higher unemployment may have put a dent in the consumption of fruits and vegetables, a trend was particularly evident in the opening months of 2009. However, Gallup's data indicates that trend may be abating as consumers report improving affordability of fruits and vegetables: In 2009, 91.9% of consumers surveyed said it was easy to get affordable fruits and vegetables where they live, up from 89.7% in 2008.

Gallup's analysis of the data suggests that easy access (or lack thereof) to affordable fruits and vegetables makes a difference in how people eat. The survey found that 67.4% of consumers who enjoy easy access to fruits and vegetables said they ate healthy the previous day. However, only 55.5% of consumers who did not have access to affordable fruits and vegetables said they ate healthy the previous day. Furthermore, 56.5% of those with access to affordable produce said they consumed at least five servings of fruits and vegetables at least four days the previous week, compared to 51.2% for those without easy access.