2020 per-capita numbers show modest gains for fresh vegetables

Despite massive market disruptions and supply chain problems with the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. per capita availability of fresh vegetables rose 1.2% in 2020, new statistics from the USDA show.

USDA announces TEFAP produce box awards
USDA announces TEFAP produce box awards
(File image)

Despite massive market disruptions and supply chain problems with the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. per-capita availability of fresh vegetables rose 1.2% in 2020, new statistics from the USDA show.

Vegetable per-capita availability for 2020 was calculated at 143.9 pounds, 1.2% above 142.19 pounds in 2019 but about 4% lower than the five-year average of 149.9 pounds, according to the USDA.

Per-capita availability of processed vegetables increased at an even faster clip, growing 5.5% from 110.73 pounds in 2019 to 116.92 pounds in 2020.

Here are selected 2020 per-capita fresh vegetable numbers, with percentage change from 2019:

  • Asparagus: 1.83 pounds, up 4.6%
  • Snap/green beans: 1.3 pounds, down 5.8%
  • Broccoli: 5.86 pounds, down 0.9%
  • Cabbage: 6.25 pounds, down 1.6%
  • Carrots: 7.71 pounds, down 9%
  • Cauliflower: 2.61 pounds, down 13.6%
  • Sweet corn: 4.67 pounds, down 8.6%
  • Cucumbers: 7.51 pounds: down 4.1%
  • Lettuce: 26.8 pounds, up 6.1%
  • Onions: 20.44 pounds, up 5.47%
  • Bell peppers: 11 pounds, up 1.2%
  • Tomatoes: 19.32 pounds, up 5.3%
  • Potatoes: 31.47 pounds: up 4.7%
  • Sweet potatoes (includes processing): 6.7 pounds, down 6.3%
  • Mushrooms: 2.79 pounds, up 0.7%.
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