According to the Centers for Disease Control, eating healthy reduces the risk of several chronic diseases like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and cancer. They also reference that most youth do not consume enough fruits and vegetables to reach the recommended amounts. Recently, Whitley County Cooperative Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources department hosted a Farm Day and invited local schools. Whitley County Family and Consumer Sciences Extension wanted to address youth and teens obtaining more fruits and vegetables in their daily intake.

Information was given out to youth and adults about consuming more fruit and MyPlate. Recipes were given to participants, as well as a sample of fruit leathers. Fruit leather is made from 100% fruit and has no sugars added and is a great way to consume more fruit while on the go. We surveyed those who came to our informational booth and 55% said they need more fruits in their diet. After receiving our information about incorporating more fruit in a variety of ways, 100% say they will eat more fruits in the future.

We received a lot of feedback of those approving the new way to get fruit in their diet. A lot of parents approved of the fruit leather instead of the sugary option offered in stores. The Whitley County Family and Consumer Sciences saw this as a success and plan on offering similar information at events within the next year to improve the health and nutrition of our youth.