National 5 A Day for Better Health Program

The National 5 A Day for Better Health Program, initiated in 1991, is a large-scale public-private partnership between the fruit and vegetable industry and the U. S. federal government. The Program goal is to increase consumption of fruits and vegetables by all Americans to 5 to 9 servings every day. The long-range purpose is to reduce the incidence of cancer and other chronic diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes and hypertension, through dietary improvements. The private side of the partnership is coordinated by the Produce for Better Health Foundation, which is a non-profit foundation composed of approximately 1000 members of the fruit and vegetable industry. The public side of the partnership is coordinated by the National Cancer Institute of the National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Other partners from governmental and voluntary organizations include the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the American Heart Association and the American Cancer Society. The network also consists of 5 A Day coordinators in every state and territory.

The program seeks to attain its goal by increasing public awareness of the importance of eating 5 to 9 servings of fruits and vegetables every day, providing consumers specific information about how to incorporate more servings of fruits and vegetables into daily eating patterns, and increasing the availability of fruits and vegetables at home, school, work, and other places where food is served.

Specific promotions by the program include 5 A Day the Color Way (www.5aday.com) and Men Eat 9 a Day (www.5aday.gov). Both web sites include healthy recipes and much more information about the program. Also check out www.dole5aday.com for fun activities for children and families, including 5 A Day songs.

Teller County is an active participant in the national program through its STEPS to a Healthier US grant. 5 A Day activities are offered to the community through worksites, schools, restaurants, and community groups. In addition, nutrition classes and counseling on diabetes and weight loss are part of the county’s services though the STEPS program.