Perceived Food Environments and Fruit & Vegetable consumption among Hungarian single mothers

Adequate fruit and vegetable (F&V) consumption is crucial for preventing chronic diseases, yet intake in Hungary remains below recommended levels, worsened by rising food prices and economic challenges. Single mothers, facing labor market inequalities and limited social support, often struggle to afford healthy foods, relying instead on cheaper, less nutritious options.This study explores how the perceived home, consumer and community food environments influence F&V consumption among Hungarian single mothers, and how psychosocial and background factors shape these perceptions.The validated Nutrition Environment Measures Survey–Perceived (NEMS-P) was adapted to the context of Hungarian single mothers, and structural equation modelling was used to quantitatively examine both direct and indirect relationships among key factors influencing food environment perceptions and F&V consumption.Findings highlight the critical role of the Home Food Environment in shaping healthy eating habits: it not only directly affects F&V consumption but also mediates the influence of the Consumer Nutrition Environment. Psychosocial factors and perceived health status have a positive, direct effect on F&V consumption and on both the Home and Consumer Food Environments. Among demographic variables, the number of children cared for—contrary to expectations—does not impact F&V consumption or the perceived Consumer Nutrition Environment. In contrast, income, education level, and the number of non-income adults in the household significantly influence both F&V consumption and the Home Food Environment.The methodology used in this study enabled a quantitative analysis of how the three food environments are perceived and interact to affect F&V consumption. It also helped identify exogenous factors that uniquely characterize this target group and shape their food-related perceptions.Future research should expand this model to include interpersonal and policy-level determinants for a more comprehensive understanding of how consumers interact with their food environments. Context-specific studies remain essential to identify leverage points that can support effective interventions for healthier and more sustainable diets.