CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Nearly four in 10 Americans has changed the foods and food brands they eat based on climate concerns.

That’s among the findings of a new poll by Dole Food Co., the Dole Fresh Produce Survey, conducted March 3-11.

The survey also found that 27% of consumers agree that environmental issues (i.e., a food’s impact on land use, water use and quality, package recyclability, greenhouse gas emissions, air quality, etc.) had a significant or very significant impact on their personal eating habits.

And 28% said they make a significant or very significant effort to choose foods and brands that minimize the impact on climate change.

Participants were asked about their perceptions of the nutritional benefits of fresh fruits and vegetables; changes in consumption due to COVID-19; how produce contributes to a healthy lifestyle; specific fruit and vegetable preferences including exotic varieties; and global, environmental and social influences on produce purchasing and consumption. The survey was blind and unaided — Dole was not mentioned.

Additional results of the survey will be unveiled May 26, which is National Eat More Fruits and Vegetables Day.