A statewide campaign is being launched today to encourage Iowans to eat more fruits and vegetables. It’s being launched by a new coalition of grocery stores, farmers, health organizations and state agencies. Brendan Comito is president of the “Five A Day Coalition of Iowa.”Comito wants people to eat five servings of fresh fruits and vegetables every day. A survey finds most Iowans eat an average of two-and-a-half servings a day, slightly below the national average of three servings. Comito says eating produce can help prevent cancer and other diseases.The “Five A Day Coalition of Iowa” is starting educational programs in schools today in addition to launching a statewide billboard campaign. It’s entitled “Pick a Better Snack” and will feature slogans like: “Wash, Bite and Eat” next to a big yellow banana. He says most produce doesn’t require any preparation, you just peel it and eat it.The coalition includes: four grocery chains, the I-S-U Extension, the Iowa Departments of Agriculture and Public Health, the Iowa Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association, the Food Bank of Iowa and the American Cancer Society.
