Vegetables, unless fried, are relatively low in calories while supplying many needed nutrients. This is true in the United States, where vegetables have contributed approximately 5 percent of calories throughout the 25-year period from 1970 to 1995. Despite their small contribution to calories, vegetables consistently provide significant amounts of important nutrients to the U.S. food supply, as shown in Figure 4 . While increased vegetable consumption is generally consistent with dietary recommendations for good health, this does not hold true for the current trend in potato consumption. However, another food trend, increased consumption of ethnic foods and the associated increase in canned tomato products, may be good for health.
Tomato products are rich in nutrients.
As Americans become more aware of the health benefits of vegetables, producers and processors will have opportunities to supply these nutritious, colorful foods to informed consumers. What You Can Do The food choices we make within our food and agricultural system impact our local, state, and national economy, the environment, and the well-being of our communities, as well as our own personal health. Determine if your neighborhood food stores and restaurants use and sell Kentucky produce. Join a vegetable buying club or frequent a farmers' market for fresh, locally grown produce. Read food labels for health and nutrition information.