Teens want more locally grown, organic, nongenetically engineered, and unprocessed food.

Some adults choose foods that are locally grown, organic, or unprocessed. Have these types of choices also influenced teens and young adults? Researchers surveyed more than 2,500 people aged 15-23 years and asked them how important it was that their food be locally grown, organic, or unprocessed. They were also asked if they were currently a vegetarian. Responses to this question indicated some confusion about what a vegetarian is, with 46 percent of self-described vegetarians eating fish and 25 percent eating chicken.

Of those surveyed, 34 percent felt that it was important for their food to not be genetically engineered, while 30 percent valued unprocessed food. Organic food was important for 23 percent of respondents, and locally grown food was important for 21 percent. These numbers indicate a strong interest in food with a lower impact on the environment among young adults. Those who more strongly supported these food production practices were more likely to have healthy diets and less likely to eat fast food. In addition, those with an interest in more sustainable food production practices were more likely to be either African-American or Asian, to be from a lower income family, and to be vegetarian. The researchers suggest that adolescents who have greater awareness about the use of pesticides in agriculture and who participate more in food shopping and preparation are more likely to support use of locally grown and organic foods. Furthermore, they suggest that both vegetarians and those who value more sustainable food production are more likely to choose foods that promote both individual and environmental health.

Robinson-O'Brien R, Larson N, Neumark-Sztainer D, et al. 2009. Characteristics and dietary patterns of adolescents who value eating locally grown, organic, nongenetically engineered, and nonprocessed food. J Nutr Educ Behav 41:11-18.

By Reed Mangels, PhD, RD, FADA