Originally published on April 23, 2026.
Dear Reader,
Thanks to the work we are doing together, the Flint Registry continues to support public health in Flint – and beyond.
Together, we are paving a healthier path forward and we want to share more with you about what we are learning.
In this edition of the Registry Report, Dr. Gayle Shipp shares some of her research around health and fruits and vegetables – especially for women of reproductive age.
- Eating more fruits and vegetables is linked to better health
- Small increases can make a big difference
- Access matters – especially for fruit
There are a number of proven benefits to eating a healthier diet. Fruits and vegetables are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, fiber, and other substances important for good health. Incorporating more fruits and vegetables can also be a healthy way to maintain or lose weight.
Eating more fruits and vegetables is linked to better health: As intake increases, fewer Flint Registry participants report poor or fair physical health, suggesting a meaningful relationship between diet and overall well-being.
Small Increases, Better Health Outcomes: Even modest increases in fruit and vegetable consumption are associated with improvements in perceived health, reinforcing the value of moderate dietary changes.
Reproductive-aged women may particularly benefit from increased fruit and vegetable intake, as higher consumption is linked to better overall health during a critical period for maternal and future child health.
Only about 1 in 5 reported consuming the recommended daily amount of vegetables and fruits.
Among reproductive-aged women (18-55 years of age) in the Flint Registry, most are not meeting current fruit and vegetable recommendations. Only about 1 in 5 reported consuming the recommended daily amount of vegetables (20.3%) and fruits (22.8%).
Neighborhood access matters, but more for fruit than vegetables.
Women of reproductive age in the Flint Registry who felt their neighborhood had high-quality fruits and vegetables were more likely to meet fruit intake recommendations (53.5% vs. 45.3%). While half of the participants said they had access to a wide variety of high-quality fruits and vegetables, those who perceived better selection and quality were also more likely to eat higher amounts overall (3+ cups per day).
This highlights the important role of the local food environment and the need to ensure fresh fruits and vegetables are available where people live.
Perceived health and well-being were positively associated with fruit and vegetable intake in a dose-response pattern, particularly for physical and mental health. As daily intake increased, the proportion of participants reporting poor or fair physical health decreased from 44.9% among those consuming less than one cup per day to 31.8% among those consuming three or more cups per day.
An estimated 20,413 women of reproductive age resided in the city of Flint during the years of data collection. Identifying the factors associated with fruit and vegetable intake, such as access, can inform food access initiatives that serve this population.
Though our study did not evaluate the use of food distribution centers by our participants, the Flint Registry made over 1200 referrals to food-related services and resources in the area in 2025.
Resources in Genesee County
Flint Fresh Food Hub
Supporting the development of an equitable and sustainable local food system for the residents of Flint and Genesee County.
Double Up Food Bucks
Use your Bridge Card across Michigan to get more fruits and vegetables with Double Up Food Bucks.
Edible Flint
Supporting community residents in growing and accessing healthy food in order to reconnect with the land and each other.