2.2.14 Percentage of Canadian children and youth aged 12 to 24 years who eat fruits and vegetables at least 5 times a day, by Indigenous identity, Canada, 2007-2010 and 2011-2014
| First Nations | Métis | Inuit | Non-Indigenous | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 to 2010 | 38.2 | 41.2 | 33.6 | 47 |
| 2011 to 2014 | 34.1 | 35.9 | 29.1 | 42.1 |
Note:
Does not include First Nations children/youth living on reserve.
Source: CICH graphic created using data adapted from Statistics Canada. Table 105-0512 – Health indicator profile, by Aboriginal identity, age group and sex, four year estimates, Canada, provinces and territories, occasional (rate). Accessed September 27, 2017 at: http://www5.statcan.gc.ca/cansim/a26?lang=eng&retrLang=eng&id=1050512&&pattern=&stByVal=1&p1=1&p2=31&tabMode=dataTable&csid=
In 2011-2014, 34% of First Nations children and youth aged 12 to 24 years reported that they ate fruits and vegetables at least 5 times a day, as did 36% of Métis children and youth in the same age group and 29% of Inuit children and youth.
Non-Indigenous children and youth aged 12 to 24 years were more likely to eat fruits and vegetables at least 5 times a day – 42% did so.
The percentage of children and youth aged 12 to 24 years who ate fruits and vegetables at least 5 times a day decreased among all groups between 2007-2010 and 2011-2014.
Implications
Indigenous cultures have different values, traditions and at times they may have different food choices from those of non-Indigenous Canadians. Eating Well with Canada’s Food Guide – First Nations, Inuit and Métis is a food guide tailored to reflect traditions and food choices of First Nations, Inuit and Métis people and is a complement to the 2007 Canada’s Food Guide. It is based on science and recognizes the importance of traditional and store-bought foods for First Nations, Inuit and Métis families. It recommends that children and youth over 12 and 13 years of age eat at least 5-6 servings of vegetables and fruit each day and those over 13 eat 7 to 10. These include things like berries, apples, carrots and spinach.