According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (cdc.gov/nutrition/state-and-local-strategies/priority-nutrition-strategy.html), healthy eating emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat or fat-free dairy, and lean protein and limits added sugar, saturated fat, and sodium. However, in 2019, only about 1 in 10 US adults met recommendations for fruit and vegetable intake. Among adolescents, 7% met the recommendation for fruits, while only 2% met the recommendation for vegetables. 

Laurel County Cooperative Extension Service Snap-Ed assistant conducted a 7-week program at a women’s shelter with 8 -12 adults and their children. Using Healthy Choices for Every Body program, participants learned about MyPlate and the importance of every food group. MyPlates were given to everyone enrolled in program.

At the end of the 7-weeks 100% ate more vegetables, 67% ate more fruits and 48% showed improvement in diet quality overall. Participants used myplates as a tool to make sure every food group was present in their family meal planning.

*Vegetables are in the Eggroll in a Bowl recipe