Determination of fruit-vegetable consumption habits of the household in İpekyolu district of Van

This study examined the fruit and vegetable consumption habits of 382 households living in the İpekyolu district of Van province, as well as the demographic and socioeconomic factors influencing these habits. Data were collected using a survey method, frequency distribution tables were created, percentages were calculated, and chi-square tests were conducted. According to the findings, the vast majority of households regularly purchase fruits and vegetables, most often shopping at greengrocers. Freshness, taste, hygiene, health-related safety, appearance, and organicity were the most decisive criteria in consumers' fruit and vegetable selection. Income level significantly influenced expenditures, with a notable increase in the proportion of those spending more than 5,000 TL per month, particularly in the high-income group. The tendency to consume regularly also increased with increasing education levels. Furthermore, children's fruit and vegetable consumption was identified as a factor supporting households' regular purchasing behavior. Strong correlations were also found between daily fruit consumption frequency and expenditures. Consumption of citrus and leafy green vegetables, in particular, increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, income, education, family structure, children's eating habits and health awareness emerged as the determining factors in fruit and vegetable consumption.