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
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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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