Media Release

For: Immediate Release
Date: March 20, 2007

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

WHAT:
To encourage Rhode Island State Employees to eat more fruits and veggies, Get Fit Rhode Island, in collaboration with the Rhode Island Department of Health, is hosting a Fruits and Veggies - More Matters event at the State House for all state employees. There are approximately 2,500 state employees working in the Capital Hill area, and all are invited to participate in this event.

Michael Makuch, Chef and Community Service Educator from Johnson & Wales will provide a cooking demonstration and information to teach employees the benefits of healthy food choices and basic cooking skills. Employees 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:
Anne Marie Connolly, Director, RI State Employee Wellness Initiative

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

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

WHEN:
Wednesday March 21st, from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm

WHERE:
State House, Providence, RI, Second Floor Corridor

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 average work week has reportedly increased to approximately 50 hours, leaving employees less personal time to devote to healthy habits. The workplace has been identified as a good place to educate and promote wellness behaviors. It is estimated that for every dollar employers invest in wellness they can anticipate three dollars return on investment through increased productivity, reduced absenteeism, reduction in health insurance claim costs, as well as improved employee morale.

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.