Who Earned the Title of 'Top Vegetable Consumers'? Haredi Children

Today (Wednesday), surprising data from a survey recently conducted by the Ministry of Agriculture is released. This survey was commissioned as part of an upcoming campaign to promote the consumption of fruits and vegetables and to encourage Israeli consumers to include them in their personal diets instead of snacking on sweet and salty snacks.

The slogan chosen for the campaign is "Half-Half," which is expected to encourage filling half of one's plate with vegetables and the other half with fruits. The campaign's goal is to increase the consumption of fruits and vegetables to support Israeli farmers and for the benefit of public health.

The survey also reveals that many parents believe their children do not consume enough fruits and vegetables. Eating times are primarily at dinner (71% at dinner, 54% at lunch, and only 34% at breakfast, with 6% not eating vegetables at all).

Another interesting point from the survey is that most of the snacking among Israeli children (60%) consists of salty snacks, while 44% snack on sweets, and 50% on dairy desserts.

The survey, reported in 'The Marker,' also indicates that most parents do not do enough to change this. When asked, "What do you do to make your children eat more fruits and vegetables?", 59% of parents answered that they do not engage in any special activities, 14% prepare salads and peel fruits and vegetables, 11% explain the benefits and try to convince their children to eat them, 5% buy a variety of fruits and vegetables and ensure they are always available at home, 5% present the fruits and vegetables aesthetically, 4% place fruits and vegetables in a prominent location, and 3% incorporate them regularly into meals.

Perhaps the most surprising part of the survey for many relates specifically to the Haredi sector in Israel, where there is significantly higher vegetable consumption among children. According to the data, 78% of Haredi children eat vegetables at dinner, 39% at breakfast, 38% at lunch, 15% use vegetables as snacks between meals, and only 2% do not give their children vegetables at all.

The Ministry of Agriculture emphasizes the importance of vegetable consumption for health. Regular daily consumption of vegetables and fruits can help achieve satiety, increase vitamins and minerals, and boost body fluid levels.

Moreover, fruit and vegetable consumption may help reduce the risk of developing various diseases, including coronary heart disease, stroke, and even certain types of cancer.