Healthy Americans Target of Alliance

April 26, 2002

Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy G. Thompson and Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman have announced an alliance of federal agencies, private industry and health organizations to strengthen efforts to help all Americans meet the recommendations of the Dietary Guidelines for fruit and vegetable consumption.

The 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.

Under the new agreement, 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.

The Grocery Manufacturers of America welcomed the announcement. "Secretary Veneman and Secretary Thompson are correct in noting that daily physical activity combined with a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables is key to prevention of chronic diseases," said GMA President and CEO C. Manly Molpus. "Repeated scientific surveys have shown that eating at least five servings of fruits and vegetables per day has enormous nutritional benefits."

Launched by the National Cancer Institute in 1991, the "5 A Day" program is a public-private partnership to promote the consumption of at least five servings of vegetables and fruit per day to reduce the risk of cancer and other diseases, including heart disease, hypertension, diabetes and macular degeneration.