Focus on Fruits and Vegetables 

Fruits and vegetables contribute important under-consumed nutrients to our diets. They may reduce the risk of many chronic diseases, and may help individuals achieve and maintain a healthy weight when consumed instead of higher calorie foods.

Todd County data from 2015-2017 shows only 18% of adults consume 5 or more servings of fruits and vegetables per day, while 74% of Todd County adults show a prevalence of being overweight. (Data Source BRFSS)

The Todd County Nutrition Education Assistant taught young adults at Todd County Central High School “Healthy Choices for Everybody Curriculum.” Food demonstrations using fruits and vegetables were used to accompany the curriculum.  After completing the class, 100% of the young adults showed a positive change in their diets.

Key Fact: 86% of participants showed improvement in one or more diet quality indicators (i.e., eating fruits, vegetables, red and orange vegetables, dark green vegetables, drinking less regular soda (not diet),drinking less fruit punch, fruit drinks, sweet tea, or sports drinks, and cooking dinner at home.)

Key Fact: 57% of participants eat fruit more often each day.

Key Fact: 71% of participants eat vegetables more often each day.

Fruit and vegetable intake is also an indicator of a healthy overall diet. Teaching young adults the benefits of Myplate now will help them make better diet choices in the future.