Fruits and Veggies—More Matters
Eating more fruits and vegetables is better – no matter where you begin!
The Fruits & Veggies More Matters TM program promotes eating 2-6 cups of fruits and vegetables a day as recommended in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
Why eat more fruits and vegetables?
- You may decrease your risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and obesity.
- Eating at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables each day could prevent as many as 20 percent of all cancers.
- According to a 2003 Stroke Journal Report, daily consumption of green-yellow vegetables reduces the risk of death from any stroke-type by 26% (compared with those who ate vegetables no more than once a week).
- The same report states that daily fruit intake reduced the risk of stroke death by 35% in men and 25% in women.
How many fruits and vegetables should you eat each day?
- Children ages 2 to 6 years: at least 2-3 cups
- Older children and most women: at least 3-4 cups
- Teen boys and most men: at least 4-6 cups
To find out more about Fruits & Veggies—More Matters TM visit the following links on our site.
- Fruits & Veggies—More Matters TM Background (pdf)
- Insights on the Consumption Gap (pdf)
- T.A.S.T.E. Tips for Moms (pdf)
Nutrition Consultant
The nutrition consultant for chronic disease risk reduction/health promotion also serves as the state coordinator for the Fruit and Vegetable Nutrition program. Recognizing that nutrition is one part of a healthy lifestyle, the state program:
- Emphasizes partnerships/collaborations as the cornerstone of the program in SC.
- Promotes the use of evidence-based nutrition best practice to reduce the burden of chronic disease in SC.
- Promotes nutrition education in schools and communities.
- Endorses policy and environmental changes that support healthy lifestyle choices.
Fruits & Veggies—More Matters TM visit the following links on our site:
- Having Fun With Fruits and Vegetables
- Centers for Disease Control 5 A Day for Better Health
- Produce for Better Health Foundation
- Dole Food Company’s 5 A Day Program
- National Fruit and Vegetable Month Press Release Coming Soon!
National Nutrition Month
March is National Nutrition Month and this year’s theme is 100% Fad Free.
Keep in mind these key messages to enjoy a 100% Fad Free lifestyle:
- Develop an eating plan for lifelong health.
- Choose foods sensibly by looking at the big picture.
- Find your balance between food and physical activity.
- Food and nutrition misinformation can have harmful effects on your health and well-being.
Check out the following web site for more information:
The Governor has proclaimed March as Nutrition Month in South Carolina. Click here to see the proclamation. (pdf)
Nutrition Partnerships
- State Department of Education's Office of School Food Services and Nutrition
- SC Healthy Schools
- USC School of Public Health
- USC Prevention Research Center
- Clemson Extension Service
- American Heart Association
- SCCOPE, SC Coalition for Obesity Prevention Efforts
- SC Department of Agriculture
- South Carolina Cancer Alliance
For additional information contact:
Susan Frost 803.545.4487