September

Fruits & Veggies – More Matters Month

Sponsor: Produce for Better Health Foundation

Eating fruits and vegetables has many health benefits.

People who eat a healthy, balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables can help lower their risk for:

• Heart disease
• Type 2 diabetes
• Some types of cancer
• Obesity
• High blood pressure

Communities, health professionals, businesses, and families can work together to encourage people to eat more fruits and vegetables.

Make a difference: Spread the word about tips for healthy eating and encourage communities, organizations, families, and individuals to get involved.

How can Fruits & Veggies – More Matters Month make a difference?

We can use this month to raise awareness about the importance of getting enough fruits and vegetables.

Here are just a few ideas:

• Spread the word about programs that support local agriculture.
• Encourage families and co-workers to make small changes, like keeping fresh fruit or carrot sticks within easy reach.
• Motivate local restaurants, stores, and other businesses to provide quality foods made with fresh fruits and vegetables.

How can I help spread the word?

We’ve made it easier for you to make a difference! This toolkit is full of ideas to help you take action today. For example:

• Add information about fruits and veggies to your organization’s website or newsletter.
• Tweet about Fruits & Veggies – More Matters Month.
• Host a community event where families can try different fresh foods while learning about healthy food resources.
• Add this Web badge to your website, blog, or social networking profile.

• Sample Announcement
• Sample Tweets
• E-cards
• Web Badge
• Get Involved
• Share These Resources
• More Information

Get the Word Out

Get Involved

Take action to encourage people to eat more fruits and vegetables.

1. Host a brown-bag seminar for your co-workers. Invite a nutritionist to discuss easy ways to get the recommended daily servings of vegetables and fruits.
2. Post information about a different vegetable or fruit every week on your employee bulletin board or email listserv. Include a quick and easy recipe.
3. Partner with your local farmers market or community garden to offer vegetables and fruits at discounted prices in your workplace.
4. Conduct a cooking demonstration using recipes full of vegetables and fruits for co-workers and friends.

Adapted from the Produce for Better Health Foundation
For more information and materials, contact the Produce for Better Health Foundation at KStevens@PBHFoundation.org.

Share These Resources

Find More Information

• Produce for Better Health Foundation
  Fruits & Veggies – More Matters Month Sponsor
• Information about Fruits and Veggies
  Produce for Better Health Foundation
• How to Use Fruits and Vegetables to Help Manage Your Weight
  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Healthy Eating Tips
  United States Department of Agriculture
• Daily Food Plans & Worksheets
  United States Department of Agriculture
• Dietary Guidelines for Americans
  U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
• Farmers Market Search
  United States Department of Agriculture
• Growing a Healthier You: Nutrition from the Farm to Your Table
  United States Department of Agriculture
• Healthy Eating on a Budget
  United States Department of Agriculture
• Build a Healthy Eating Style
  United States Department of Agriculture