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5 A Day For Better Health5 A Day for is a nutrition education program that encourages the consumption of 5 to 9 servings of fruits and vegetables each day for better health. The National 5 A Day for Better Health Program began in 1991 as a public-private partnership between the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and the Produce for Better Health Foundation. The program has since become the world's largest public-private nutrition education initiative. All 50 states, U.S. territories, and branches of the military have a 5 A Day coordinator. What are the Benefits of 5 A Day?Eating 5 to 9 servings of fruits and vegetables each day reduces the risk of developing most cancers, heart disease, hypertension, stroke, diabetes, and other chronic diseases. According to the National Cancer Institute, about one-third of all cancers are attributable to poor dietary habits. Poor nutrition may be a contributing factor in a very high percentage of cancers of the large intestine, breast, and prostate. Consumption of fruits and vegetables are able to reduce these risks because of their high density in cancer fighting nutrients such as vitamin A, vitamin C, and fiber. People who eat 5 to 9 servings of fruits and vegetables a day may also be less likely to become overweight or obese. Fruits and vegetables are low in fat and calories, but are high in vitamins, minerals, and other healthy nutrients. When fruits and vegetables are eaten as a substitute for less healthy foods and snacks, they lower one's daily caloric intake. This may assist in weight loss or maintenance. Specific nutrition information on individual fruits and vegetables 5 A Day ResultsFrom the introduction of the 5 A Day for Better Health Program in 1991 to 1998, the percentage of Americans who knew they should eat at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables each day increased from 8% to 39%. Furthermore, the average consumption of fruits and vegetables increased from 3.9 to 4.6 daily servings per American. 5 A Day in ColoradoShortly after the 5 A Day for Better Health Program was introduced in Colorado, the Colorado 5 A Day Coalition was formed to lead the state's efforts in promoting the 5 A Day Program. The coalition plans activities across the state to educate Coloradans about 5 A Day. From 1994 to 2000, the percentage of Colorado adults who consumed at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables on a daily basis increased from 21.6% to 23.4%. The average number of daily servings increased from 3.7 to 3.9. Small Steps for Healthy LeapsProduce Festival ToolkitProduce festival postersReproducible HandoutsMore information about 5 A Day in Colorado
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