In 2024, total U.S. per capita vegetable and pulse availability (a consumption proxy) fell to 376 pounds, marking the lowest level in over 35 years (since 1988).
Since peaking at 426 pounds in 1996, availability has gradually declined, with notable dips over the past two decades. The 2024 availability total consists of fresh vegetables excluding melons (39 percent), processing vegetables (26 percent), potatoes (31 percent), pulses (3 percent), and mushrooms (1 percent) —a mix that has remained relatively consistent over time. Per capita availability has held steady for fresh vegetables and potatoes, declined gradually for processing vegetables, continued a slow upward trend for pulses, and remained stable for mushrooms despite a slight dip this year.