Failing the fruit test

North Carolina teens are failing the fruit and vegetable test.

They're not alone. No state meets national recommendations for fruit and vegetable consumption, according to a report issued late last month by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

On average, fewer than 10 percent of U.S. high school students get the recommended three servings of vegetables and two servings of fruits each day. North Carolina falls well below that average, with only 6 percent of teens getting enough fruits and vegetables.

That's a concern, because diets rich in fruits and vegetables help teens maintain a normal weight and protect against chronic, degenerative diseases such as diabetes, coronary artery disease and some forms of cancer.

The CDC report underscores the urgent need for states to do more to support efforts to help us eat healthier diets. The agency outlined three target areas for states and local communities -- including schools and families -- to focus on in the push to get fruits and vegetables on our plates:

Food retail. Many North Carolinians need better access to grocery stores that sell a wide range of fruits and vegetables. We need a greater variety of venues where we can buy healthful foods, including at convenience stores and farmers markets.

State policymakers can help through creative ways of funding new stores or renovating and equipping existing stores so that they can sell fresh and frozen produce. Farmers markets that accept Electronic Benefits Transfer can be another good source of healthful foods for low-income people on federal assistance programs.

School food service. Schools can set a positive example and create a health-supporting environment by serving whole fruit instead of juice and vegetables that aren't fried and by restricting the sales of junk foods in vending machines and school stores.

State policymakers should support Farm-to-School programs that get more produce to school campuses and provide education and training in nutrition for students, parents, teachers and school food service personnel.

Food system support. We need an approach that considers the full spectrum of factors involved in getting food from farm to table.

North Carolina is making good progress where that's concerned.

In August, Gov. Beverly Perdue signed into law a bill to establish the N.C. Sustainable Local Food Advisory Council. Representatives from diverse interest groups will work together to advise the state legislature about ways to make locally grown foods more available in schools and underserved areas.

"Through the food policy council, we hope to increase the number of residents who live healthier lives by increasing the availability of affordable fruits and vegetables," said Diane Beth, N.C. fruit and vegetable coordinator in the Physical Activity and Nutrition Branch, Division of Public Health.

You can do some things at home, too, to encourage your teen to eat more fruits and vegetables:

• Set an example. Your kids notice what you eat. Model the eating habits you want them to emulate.

• Inspire your teen. Get him or her involved in growing, shopping for and preparing fruits and vegetables.

All of us are more likely to eat foods we've had a hand in preparing. Those hands-on experiences are particularly effective when they begin in early childhood.

• Make fruits and vegetables part of the food environment at home. Have plenty of produce on hand.

Pack fruits and vegetables in lunches, serve them with meals and keep them readily available, washed and cut up in the refrigerator. Stock a bowl with several types of seasonal fruits and keep it within easy reach for quick snacks.

Help your whole family ace the fruit and vegetable test.

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