North Carolina Fruit & Vegetable Nutrition Program

What

The North Carolina Fruit & Vegetable Nutrition Program strives to promote better health for all North Carolinians by increasing their fruit and vegetable consumption.

When

The 5 A Day Program was launched in 1991 as a public/private partnership of the National Cancer Institute, the Produce for Better Health Foundation and other national health organizations. In 2007, the name of the program was changed to the National Fruit and Vegetable Nutrition Program. As part of the national program a new brand a logo, Fruits & Veggies—More Matters was created. At the state level the Physical Activity and Nutrition Branch administers the N.C. Fruit & Vegetable Nutrition Program and the NC Fruits & Veggies Nutrition Coalition, primarily through the work of the NC Fruit & Vegetable Nutrition Coordinator. The N.C. Fruits & Veggies (formerly NC 5 A Day) Coalition began in 1996 with five members and has grown tthan 100 members representing 35 of the 100 North Carolina counties and the Cherokee Reservation.

Where

The N.C. Fruits & Veggies Nutrition Program reaches North Carolinians through ongoing promotions and activities in communities, schools, restaurants, cafeterias, worksites, health agencies, supermarkets and community groups.

Why

Research shows that eating fruits and vegetables each day plays an important role in preventing heart disease, certain types of cancer and stroke (the top three killers of North Carolinians), high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes and birth defects. Healthier diets that include at least five fruits and vegetables each day could prevent at least $4.9 billion per year in medical costs, lost productivity and lost lives. Fruits and vegetables are also tasty, convenient, easy and quick to prepare.

Who

The N.C. Fruits & Veggies Nutrition Program is targeted to reach all North Carolinians, of all ages, from all diverse ethnic, cultural and religious backgrounds and in all places.

How

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) licenses the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services to administer the Fruit & Vegetable Nutrition program and Fruits & Veggies— More Matter. Within N.C.D.H.H.S., the N.C. Fruit and Vegetable Nutrition Coordinator is housed in the Physical Activity and Nutrition Branch, Division of Public Health and is responsible for launching fruit and vegetable programs and coordinating Fruits & Veggies—More Matters activities at the state level. To accomplish this goal, the Coordinator works closely with the N.C. Fruits & Veggies Nutrition Coalition. Membership to the N.C. Fruits & Veggies Nutrition Coalition Coalition is free and open to any organization or individual wanting to promote fruit and vegetable consumption and access. The Coalition is comprised of representatives from government, academia, industry, media and other non-profit and private organizations, and is led by a Steering Committee. Together, the N.C. Fruit and Vegetable Nutrition Coordinator and Coalition Steering Committee guide fruit and vegetable initiatives in North Carolina. Coalition members plan and implement activities at the local level.

For more information please visit
www.fruitsandveggiesnc.com

Diane Beth
(919) 707-5221
Diane.Beth@ncmail.net