This page provides data points and curated searches from OMH’s Knowledge Center library catalog related to nutrition within minority and tribal populations in the United States and its territories. The number of catalog records for each topic reflect the search results at the time of this page’s latest update.
For culturally responsive interventions related to diet, visit Part D. Chapter 8 of the Scientific Report of the 2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee.
Good nutrition is important at every stage of life. It supports healthy growth and brain development in children, safer pregnancies, and healthy aging. Vitamins and minerals play a key role in keeping the body healthy and helping prevent disease. Adults who eat well tend to live longer and have a lower risk of serious health problems like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and obesity.
Eating too many foods high in added sugars and unhealthy fats can increase the risk of chronic disease. Healthy eating means choosing mostly whole foods like lean protein, dairy, vegetables, fruits, healthy fats, and whole grains. It also means cutting back on highly processed foods that are high in added sugars, salt, and unhealthy fats.
American Indian/Alaska Native
In 2023, American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) high school students were 94% more likely than students nationwide to not eat fruit or drink 100% fruit juices, and 10% more likely to not eat vegetables. In 2022, AI/AN children ages 1 to 5 were 15% less likely than all U.S. children in that age group to eat fruit less than once a day, and 30% less likely to eat vegetables less than once a day. In 2021, AI/AN adults were 5% more likely than U.S. adults overall to eat fruit less than once a day, and about as likely to eat vegetables less than once a day.
For additional data on nutrition and American Indians/Alaska Natives, please visit our Population Profiles.
Asian American
In 2023, Asian American high school students were 3% less likely than students nationwide to not eat fruit or drink 100% fruit juices, and 43% less likely to not eat vegetables. In 2023, Asian American high school students were 45% less likely than students nationwide to drink soda at least twice a day. In 2022, Asian American children ages 1 to 5 were 16% more likely than all U.S. children in that age group to eat fruit less than once a day, and 9% less likely to eat vegetables less than once a day. In 2021, Asian American adults were 5% less likely than U.S. adults overall to eat fruit less than once a day, and 18% less likely to eat vegetables less than once a day. From 2017 to 2020, the average percentage of daily calorie intake from saturated fats was 12% lower in Asian Americans than the U.S. population overall.
For additional data on nutrition and Asian Americans, please visit our Population Profiles.
Black/African American
In 2023, Black/African American high school students were about as likely as students nationwide to not eat fruit or drink 100% fruit juices, and 60% more likely to not eat vegetables. In 2023, Black/African American high school students were 41% more likely than students nationwide to drink soda at least twice a day. In 2022, Black/African American children ages 1 to 5 were 52% more likely than all U.S. children in that age group to eat fruit less than once a day, and 26% more likely to eat vegetables less than once a day. In 2021, Black/African American adults were about as likely as U.S. adults overall to eat fruit less than once a day, and 26% more likely to eat vegetables less than once a day. From 2017 to 2020, the average percentage of daily calorie intake from saturated fats was 5% lower in Black/African Americans than the U.S. population overall.
For additional data on nutrition and Black/African Americans, please visit our Population Profiles.
Hispanic/Latino
In 2023, Hispanic/Latino high school students were 13% less likely than students nationwide to not eat fruit or drink 100% fruit juices, and 12% more likely to not eat vegetables. In 2023, Hispanic/Latino high school students were 9% less likely than students nationwide to drink soda at least twice a day. In 2022, Hispanic/Latino children ages 1 to 5 were 6% more likely than all U.S. children in that age group to eat fruit less than once a day, and 11% more likely to eat vegetables less than once a day. In 2021, Hispanic/Latino adults were 8% less likely than U.S. adults overall to eat fruit less than once a day, and 56% more likely to eat vegetables less than once a day. From 2017 to 2020, the average percentage of daily calorie intake from saturated fats was 6% lower in Hispanics/Latinos than the U.S. population overall.
For additional data on nutrition and Hispanics/Latinos, please visit our Population Profiles.
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander
In 2023, Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (NHPI) high school students were 61% more likely than students nationwide to not eat fruit or drink 100% fruit juices, and 13% more likely to not eat vegetables. In 2022, NHPI children ages 1 to 5 were 20% more likely than all U.S. children in that age group to eat fruit less than once a day, and 5% more likely to eat vegetables less than once a day. In 2021, NHPI adults were about as likely as U.S. adults overall to eat fruit less than once a day, and 7% more likely to eat vegetables less than once a day.
For additional data on nutrition and Native Hawaiians/Pacific Islanders, please visit our Population Profiles.
Date Last Reviewed: March 2026