The Healthy Eating Index : 1994 - 96

To assess and monitor the dietary status of Americans, the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion developed the Healthy Eating Index (HEI). The HEI is composed of 10 components, each representing different aspects of a healthful diet: Components 1-5 measure the degree to which a person’s diet conforms to USDA’s Food Guide Pyramid serving recommendations for the five major food groups (grains, vegetables, fruits, milk, and meat); Components 6 and 7 measure total fat and saturated fat consumption as a percentage of total food energy intake; Components 8 and 9 measure total cholesterol and sodium intake; and Component 10 examines variety in a person’s diet. The HEI was computed for people 2 years of age and over and subgroups of the population using data from the 1994-96 Continuing Survey of Food Intakes by Individuals. Most people have a diet that needs improvement. Approximately 12 percent of the population have a good diet, and 18 percent of people have a poor diet. Americans especially need to improve their fruit and milk products consumption. Males age 15 to 18, in particular, tend to have lower quality diets. African Americans, people with low income, and those with a high school diploma or less education also have lower quality diets. These findings provide an awareness and better understanding of the types of dietary changes needed to improve people’s eating patterns. July 1998 USDA prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital or family status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326W, Whitten Building, 14th and Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. The Healthy Eating Index 1994-96 Shanthy A. Bowman, Ph.D. Mark Lino, Ph.D. Shirley A. Gerrior, Ph.D. P. Peter Basiotis, Ph.D. United States Department of Agriculture Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion CNPP-5