Media Release

For: Immediate Release
Date: March 16, 2007

Local Launch of National "Fruits and Veggies--More Matters" Campaign; More Fruits and Veggies Matter

WHAT:
To encourage Rhode Islanders to eat more fruits and veggies, the Rhode Island Department of Health is hosting a Fruits and Veggies - More Matters event at South Providence Neighborhood Ministries with 40 low-income minority children in their after-school program.

Michael Makuch, Chef and Community Service Educator from Johnson & Wales will provide a cooking demonstration and information to teach children the benefits of healthy food choices, the importance of physical activity, and basic cooking skills. Kids will get a hands-on lesson in healthy food preparation. Tourtellot & Co., Inc. (a local fresh fruit and vegetable distributor in Rhode Island) will provide fresh fruits and vegetables.

WHO:
Kathy Cullinen, Initiative for Healthy Weight Program Coordinator, Rhode Island Department of Health

Michael Makuch, Chef and Community Service Educator, Johnson & Wales

Bobbi Houllahan, Program Coordinator, Amy Thomas, Youth Coordinator South Providence Neighborhood Ministries

WHEN:
Monday, March 19th, from 3-5 PM

WHERE:
South Providence Neighborhood Ministries
747 Broad Street, Providence, RI

WHY:
Research indicates that more than 50 percent of adults know they need to eat five or more servings of fruits and vegetables per day, yet more than 90 percent of Americans do not eat the recommended amount. To meet the new dietary guidelines introduced in 2005, most consumers will have to more than double the amount of fruits and vegetables they currently consume.

The Fruits and Veggies-More Matters health initiative is designed to help close this "consumption gap," making increased consumption attainable and easy for people to understand. The campaign builds upon the body of science that indicates that increased daily consumption of fruits and vegetables may help prevent many chronic diseases.