March 19, 2007

GRAND RAPIDS-Michigan Surgeon General Dr. Kimberlydawn Wisdom visited Grand Rapids today to kick off the statewide launch of a Fruits & Veggies-More Matters national campaign designed to encourage Americans to eat more fruits and vegetables.

"Research has shown that a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables may reduce the risk of cancer and other chronic diseases," Wisdom said. "Unfortunately, most consumers need to at least double the amount of fruit and vegetables they currently consume in order to meet federal recommendations in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2005."

To encourage increased consumption all forms of fruit and vegetables (fresh, frozen, dried, canned and juice), the East Beltline Meijer store in Grand Rapids treated shoppers to healthy cooking demonstrations, samples of Michigan-grown produce and free healthy cooking recipes. Volunteers from Dieticians of West Michigan and the Kent County Health Department were on-hand to answer nutrition-related questions.

"Fruit and vegetables are full of essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber that can help keep you healthy and prevent disease," said Meijer Healthy Living Advisor Shari Steinbach, who also co-chairs the Michigan Fruit & Vegetable Nutrition Coalition. ""jer, Inc. is thrilled to partner with the Surgeon General in this important effort to promote healthy living."

The national campaign-coordinated by the Produce for Better Health Foundation and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-also coincides with the release of a new article in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine showing that most Americans do not eat enough fruits and vegetables.

Wisdom will promote the new campaign at events in Detroit, Lansing and Flint this week, where she and other Michigan Fruit & Vegetable Nutrition Coalition members and local officials will encourage the purchase of Michigan-grown produce and highlight state and local efforts to increase access to fruit and vegetables.

Also announced today was the Fruits & Veggies-More Matters interactive web site, www.fruitsandveggiesmorematters.org, which offers recipes, serving ideas, and shopping advice for visitors. It also includes activities and tips for getting children involved and gives consumers the opportunity to share their own easy and fun serving ideas by submitting them online.

For more information about the Michigan Surgeon General's health improvement initiatives, please visit www.michiganstepsup.org.