The N.C. Fruits & Veggies (formerly NC 5 A Day) Nutrition Coalition coordinates promotions targeting increasing fruit and vegetable consumption among North Carolinians.
Our vision: North Carolinians…Eating More Fruits and Vegetables.
Our mission: Build a healthier North Carolina by increasing access to and consumption of fruits and vegetables.
The coalition provides a forum for members to share ideas and resources to better plan and implement fruit and vegetable programs at the state and local level. Members come from government, academia, industry, media and other non-profit and private organizations. Coalition members plan and implement fruit and vegetable programs in supermarkets, schools, restaurants, cafeterias, worksites, faith-based organizations, health agencies and community organizations that increase access to fruits and vegetables and educate consumers on easy ways to enjoy them.
Our Partners: The Fruits and Veggies Nutrition Coalition boasts nearly 200 members, including individuals as well as public and private organizations who work in the area of nutrition. Members include county Cooperative Extension agents, WIC directors/coordinators and nutritionists, nutrition program directors, health promotion coordinators, child nutrition directors, physicians, nurses, dietitians, diet technicians, health educators, Healthy Carolinians coordinators, diabetes educators, nutrition consultants, day care coordinators, fitness facility coordinators, professors and teachers, farmers and growers, North Carolina fruit and vegetable commodity groups, industry representatives, and other interested individuals and professionals.
The Coalition is led by a 15-member steering committee These committee members work with the Physical Activity & Nutrition Branch in the NC Division of Public Health to support and guide the Coalition. Click here for a list of our members.
The Coalition works on a variety of projects. The North Carolina Fruits & Veggies Nutrition Coalition Annual Symposium is the coalition's premier training and networking event. Each year the symposium attracts an average of 130+ professionals, all of whom are passionate about fruits and vegetables. Both coalition members and non-members convene to network and hear the latest information about increasing fruit and vegetable access and consumption in their communities. As part of the symposium, the coalition bestows its annual N.C. Fruits & Veggies Star Awards. Organizations from across North Carolina are recognized for their innovative efforts to design and implement programs that increase fruit and vegetable access, awareness and consumption for North Carolinians.
Each year, the steering committee develops an action plan and determines key projects. Examples include the U.S. Department of Agriculture Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Program (providing fruit and vegetable snacks to elementary school children); the 21st Century Farmer's Markets Program (increasing Electronic Benefit Transfer-EBT-access for food stamp recipients at farmers markets); the WIC and Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program; community gardening; expansion of farmers markets, and fruit and vegetable educational campaigns.
At both the state and local level, Coalition members plan and implement fruit and vegetable promotions in supermarkets, schools, restaurants, cafeterias, worksites, faith-based organizations, health agencies and community organizations to increase access to fruits and vegetables and educate consumers on easy ways to enjoy them.
Any organization or individual wanting to promote fruits and vegetables can join the Coalition. Membership is free and there are many benefits.
To join, complete the membership application form and return it to the NC Fruits & Veggies Nutrition Program. For more information about membership in the Coalition, please contact:
Diane Beth
Nutrition Manager/NC Fruits & Veggies Nutrition Coordinator
Physical Activity and Nutrition Branch
NC Division of Public Health
919-707-5221
Diane.Beth@ncmail.net
For resources developed in NC on helping others eat more fruits and veggies, please visit www.EatSmartMoveMoreNC.com.
For resources on increasing your fruit and veggie intake, please visit www.MyEatSmartMoveMore.com.
These publications and Web sites below also contain information on promoting fruits and vegetables: