National 5 A Day Expanded Partnerships and Plans

[Kuester, Sarah]

Please pardon the cross-posting.

Hello.  Below is a press release announcing the expansion of partners in the
national 5 A Day program for promoting fruit and vegetable consumption.  In
addition to the national 5 A Day website noted in the press release at
http://www.5aday.gov/, CDC has supportive information for the 5 A Day
program posted at http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/5aday/index.htm.  In
particular, the strategic plan for the national program is posted at
http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/5aday/partnerplan/index.htm and national
surveillance data on fruit and vegetable consumption is posted at
http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/surveill.htm.  CDC is currently working on
several additional sections that will be up soon on its site including a
research section, a recipe section, and audio clips for consumers.

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Source: http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2002pres/20020425.html
Date:  April 25, 2002
For Release:  Immediately

Contact:  NCI Press Office
(301) 496-6641
USDA Press Office
(202) 720-4623

Headline:  PUBLIC/PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP EXPANDS TO BOOST
PROMOTION OF HEALTHY EATING TO REDUCE THE RISK OF DISEASE

Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy G. Thompson and Agriculture
Secretary Ann M. Veneman today announced that an alliance of federal
agencies, private industry and health organizations have joined forces to
strengthen efforts to help all Americans meet the recommendations of the
Dietary Guidelines for fruit and vegetable consumption.  This unprecedented
public/private partnership will increase promotion of the 5 A Day for Better
Health Program.  As the largest nutrition education initiative in the world,
the program encourages consumers to eat five to nine servings of fruits and
vegetables a day.

"Fruits and vegetables are the original fast food.  The simple action of
eating five to nine servings of fruits and vegetables a day reduces the risk
for cancer, heart disease, diabetes, obesity, hypertension and other chronic
diseases," said Secretary Thompson.  "We welcome our new 5 A Day Program
partners and their commitment to bringing this important disease prevention
message to all Americans."

Under the new agreement, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), whose
programs and activities touch one of every six Americans, will expand its
role in the National 5 A Day Partnership.  This new commitment includes
increasing consumer education opportunities related to 5 A Day, conducting
research related to nutrient values in fruits and vegetables and
strengthened collaboration among federal, state and industry organizations
to promote fruit and vegetable consumption in addressing national health
issues. One specific goal is to provide additional information to consumers
that encourages a balanced diet and includes physical activity that will
help reduce the incidence of obesity in America.

Through programs such as the National School Lunch Program and the Women,
Infants and Children Program, the USDA has the ability to reach millions of
Americans with healthy eating tips.

"USDA is proud to expand our role in this important partnership and will
commit the necessary resources to help Americans meet these goals," said
Secretary Veneman.  "By helping Americans consume a balanced diet and
incorporate exercise into their lifestyles, we can address the growing
obesity problem in the U.S., especially among children."

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) at the National Institutes of Health-the
lead federal agency for the program-and the Produce for Better Health
Foundation are also joined by the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention, the American Cancer Society, the National Alliance for Nutrition
and Activity, the Produce Marketing Association, and the United Fresh Fruit
and Vegetable Association.

The first National 5 A Day Partnership meeting under the expanded
partnership convenes today in Washington, D.C., to discuss opportunities for
working together and to foster collaboration among partners at the state and
local level. Also in attendance are 5 A Day coordinators from all 50 states,
U.S. territories, and the Department of Defense.

During joint remarks to the group, Secretary Thompson and Secretary Veneman
announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between USDA,
the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and NCI to formalize their
expanded collaboration to promote the 5 A Day Program and encourage all
Americans to eat five to nine servings of fruits and vegetables a day. The
MOU supports the advancement of comprehensive planning at the federal, state
and local level, expanded channels for the delivery of evidence-based
interventions and improved availability of high quality data related to
fruit and vegetable consumption.

"Approximately 70 percent of all adults and children in the U.S. do not eat
the recommended five to nine servings of fruits and vegetables a day for
good health. And over 60 percent of Americans are still not aware of the
need to eat five to nine servings of fruits and vegetables a day," said
Lorelei DiSogra, EdD, RD, director of the 5 A Day for Better Health Program
at NCI, which is the national health authority for the program. "This
partnership is an excellent model of how diverse groups can come together to
improve the public's health."

More information on the 5 A Day Program is available at:
http://www.5aday.gov/

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