Veggie Meter Project
The Veggie Meter® (VM) is a reflection spectroscopy (RS) device that non-invasively quantifies skin carotenoid content by shining light on the fingertip, thus providing a proxy measure of fruit and vegetable intake.
Carotenoids are naturally occurring pigments found in red, orange, and yellow fruits and vegetables, as well as in leafy greens. They belong to a broader group of compounds known as antioxidants, which help protect the body by neutralizing free radicals—unstable molecules that can damage cells. Through their antioxidant activity, dietary carotenoids may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes and heart disease.
The Pennington Biomedical VM Team utilizes the Veggie Meter® to assess changes in skin carotenoid levels in response to comprehensive, school-based nutrition interventions. These interventions may include modifications to fruit and vegetable offerings in school breakfast and/or lunch programs, participation in the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program, and the implementation or influence of nutrition education initiatives.
Using the Veggie Meter®, three scans will be taken on your non-dominant ring finger. After each scan, a dial gauge and a score will appear on the screen. Your final score, calculated as the average of the three scans, will range from 0 to 800.
If your score falls in the red, orange, or yellow areas, you should try to incorporate more fruits and vegetables in your diet. If your score is in the green or blue areas, you are doing a good job of eating a healthy amount of fruits and vegetables.
The USDA Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) provides free, fresh fruit and vegetable snacks to children at eligible elementary schools. This initiative supports healthier school environments by increasing access to nutritious foods and integrating nutrition education throughout the school day.
To support our mission, we partner with EatMoveGrow to help students stay engaged with nutrition education. As part of this collaboration, Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Superhero (FFVS) materials are used to make learning fun and memorable. Colorful posters brighten school spaces, daily digital resources support classroom instruction, and cafeteria staff wear FFVS-themed stickers to help promote healthy choices throughout the school day.
In addition to these efforts, we partner with the LSU College of Art & Design to bring school cafeteria spaces to life through a dedicated beautification initiative. Murals featuring colorful fruits, vegetables, and uplifting nutrition messages are painted on cafeteria walls to create a fun and welcoming atmosphere. These vibrant designs help reinforce healthy eating habits and make mealtimes more engaging for students, turning the cafeteria into a space that supports both learning and well-being.
