Natalie’s Orchid Island Juice Company Joins National Health Initiative
Natalie’s Orchid Island Juice Company has joined with the Produce for Better Health Foundation (PBH) and others in the produce industry to launch Fruits & Veggies – More Matters™, a new consumer health initiative created to encourage Americans to improve their health by eating more fruits and vegetables.
“We’re pleased to be a part of this national effort,” said John Martinelli, Executive Vice President, Natalie’s Orchid Island Juice Company. “Our food supply and health is an important issue to us.” Americans are bombarded daily by marketers selling artificial foods and beverages. Sometimes there is conflicting advice about what we should eat for optimal health. “We must also try to support our American farmers. We should eat and drink American every chance we get”, added Martinelli.
“The scientific evidence is clear, and overwhelming,” Martinelli said. “People who eat a healthy diet with lots of fruits and vegetables are likely to have reduced the risk of chronic diseases. And, they come in such colorful, varied and delicious packages!”
According to Produce for Better Health Foundation (PBH), the new initiative will replace the 15-year-old 5 A Day for Better Health program, which encouraged consumers to eat at least 5 servings of produce a day.
“Research shows that most people know they need to eat more fruits and vegetables – but they simply don’t reach that goal for a variety of reasons,” says PBH President Elizabeth Pivonka, Ph.D., R.D. “What we’re telling them is that any increase is good. Adding just one or two servings a day is a great start.”
A particular focus of the new initiative will be mothers of younger children, ages 2 to 12 years old. “With the growing concern over childhood obesity and related health problems, moms that we’ve interviewed are concerned about teaching their children good eating habits,” said Pivonka. PBH has created a new consumer Web site, www.fruitsandveggiesmorematters.org, to address this concern. The site offers a variety of tips, suggestions and ideas on how to overcome peer pressure, picky eaters, limited time, tight budgets and a host of other challenges that get in the way of eating fruits and vegetables. “It’s something that moms said would help them,” Pivonka said.
“As an industry leader and producer of the best tasting squeezed fresh orange and grapefruit juice in America, we feel it is extremely important that we continue to take the lead when it comes to promoting healthy eating habits for all Americans,” concluded Martinelli.
Produce for Better Health Foundation is a 15-year old nonprofit organization whose mission is to motivate people to eat more fruits and vegetables for a healthier America. The foundation is co-chair and member of the National Fruit & Vegetable Program, consisting 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.
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