Objectives: Many South Africans do not consume enough fruit and vegetables. However, people
are generally aware of the benefits of adequate consumption. To understand this gap between
knowledge and practice, this study investigated underlying factors influencing consumption through
a qualitative, cross-sectional, descriptive case study conducted in Mitchell’s Plain, Cape Town.
Methods: Four focus groups to gain broad understanding and 15 interviews with strategically
selected individuals influential in food preparation, distribution or consumption, to gain in-depth
understanding of specific factors influencing fruit and vegetable consumption were conducted.
Results: The study identified a number of drivers of fruit and vegetable consumption patterns.
Barriers to consumption included perishability and affordability; that fruit/vegetables are not
considered priority food items (inadequate time and effort is allocated to purchasing and
preparation); reported negative side-effects of consumption, and that health benefits are not
immediately apparent. Consumption was facilitated by personal preference, traditional dishes that
include fruit/vegetables, increased availability of fruit/vegetables and discipline in children.
Suggestions to improve consumption included providing practical advice to decrease preparation
time and cost, and recipes to increase appeal of fruit/vegetable dishes. However, this needs to be
understood in the context of the bigger structural issues that help or hinder fruit and vegetable
consumption