FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 21, 2007

CONTACT:

Sharese Alston, Executive Assistant
Produce for Better Health Foundation
5341 Limestone Rd.
Wilmington, DE 19808
302-235-2329
Fax: 302-235-5555

 

Katie Conover
1111 19th Street
Washington, DC 20036
(202) 729-4175

Produce for Better Health Foundation's Fruits & Veggies-More Matters Challenges Families to Eat More

Top two fruit and vegetable recipes and tips will win a weekend at The Culinary Institute of America

Wilmington, Del. - To celebrate the launch of the new Fruits & Veggies—More Matters™  health initiative, the Produce for Better Health Foundation (PBH) is issuing the Fruits & Veggies—More Matters Challenge to families across America.  The contest will award original and creative families with cash and prizes, including two grand prize trips to The Culinary Institute of America (CIA) in Hyde Park, NY and The Culinary Institute of America at Greystone in St. Helena, CA for a family cooking weekend getaway.        

While research has found that Americans are aware of the health benefits of eating fruit and vegetables, most consumers need to double the amount they currently consume in order to meet the latest dietary guidelines for Americans. 

“The Fruits & Veggies—More Matters Challenge is a unique opportunity to reach out to Americans and alert them about this important health initiative, and how to improve this consumption gap in fruits and vegetables,” said Elizabeth Pivonka, PBH president.  “We know that families have great ideas and recipes for including more fruits and vegetables at home and on the go.  I encourage moms and dads to submit easy tips and recipes that encourage families to eat MORE fruits and vegetables,” she said. 

To inspire Americans to serve and eat more fruits and vegetables at every eating occasion, PBH is calling for entrants to provide a recipe or tip that includes fruits and/or vegetables.  Each recipe or tip can include any and all forms of fruits and vegetables—fresh, frozen, canned, dried, or 100% juice.  Recipe and tip entries can provide ideas for any eating occasion, including breakfast, lunch, dinner or snack time, and each should encourage family involvement.  The use of at least 1 fruit or vegetable serving is required; however, all entrants should strive to incorporate MORE fruits and vegetables into the recipe or tip entries. 

 

 

To enter the Fruits & Veggies—More Matters Challenge, log on to www.fruitsandveggiesmorematters.org, where you can find complete rules, prizes and how to enter online.  The contest runs March 19, 2007 through May 31, 2007.

 

One winner will be selected in each state. From the state winners, five first place winners will be selected to compete for the grand prizes.  All state winners will receive a $50 Fruits & Veggies— More Matters gift certificate.  First place winners will receive a $100 Fruits & Veggies—More Matters gift certificate.  The two grand prize winners will win a Fruits & Veggies—More Matters weekend.  One grand prize winner will travel to the CIA’s Hyde Park, NY campus and the other grand prize winner will visit the CIA’s St. Helena, CA campus. 

“We are thrilled to be a part of this initiative and to provide the Fruits & Veggies—More Matters winner’s weekend at both campuses of The Culinary Institute of America,” said Greg Drescher, senior director of strategic initiatives at the CIA.  “The CIA, in conjunction with PBH, encourages all Americans to include more fruits and vegetables in special and everyday recipes.” 

 

Fruits & Veggies—More Matters is a new national public health initiative created to encourage Americans to eat more fruits and vegetables—fresh, frozen, canned, dried and 100% juice.  The development of Fruits & Veggies—More Matters is led by PBH and is in partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CIA and other organizations committed to achieving increased daily consumption of fruits and vegetables are partnering with PBH for the March 2007 launch and roll-out of the new initiative.

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Produce for Better Health Foundation is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to motivate people to eat more fruits and vegetables for a healthier America.  PBH is the brand steward for Fruits and Veggies—More Matters, and a co-chair and member of the National Fruit & Vegetable Program, which consists of government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and industry working in collaboration to expand nationwide efforts to increase consumption of fruits and vegetables for improved public health.  www.pbhfoundation.org

 

 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is one of the 13 major operating components of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).  CDC’s mission is to promote health and quality of life by preventing and controlling disease, injury, and disability. CDC is a member and co-chair of the National Partnership and, among other functions, serves as the leading health authority for Fruits & Veggies—More Matters, the successor program to 5 A Day.  www.cdc.gov.

 

 

Founded in 1946, The Culinary Institute of America is an independent, not for profit college offering bachelor's and associate degrees in culinary arts and baking and pastry arts. A network of more than 37,000 alumni in foodservice and hospitality has helped the CIA earn its reputation as the world’s premier culinary college. Courses for foodservice professionals are offered at the college's main campus in Hyde Park, NY and at The Culinary Institute of America at Greystone, in St. Helena, CA. Greystone also offers baking and pastry, advanced culinary arts, and wine certifications. For more information, visit the CIA Web site at www.ciachef.edu.