Since 1991, the 5 A Day for Better Health Program has raised public awareness about the importance of fruits and vegetables in disease prevention. Through its unique national public-private partnership, "5 A Day" seeks to increase consumption of fruits and vegetables to 5 or more servings each day by giving Americans a simple, positive message - eat 5 or more servings of fruits and vegetables every day for better health.

This partnership is currently led by the 5 A Day Steering Committee including representatives from The National Cancer Institute (NCI), the Produce for Better Health Foundation (PBH), the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC), the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), United Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Association, Produce Marketing Association (PMA), Dole Food Co., Inc., American Cancer Society, and the National Alliance for Nutrition and Activity (NANA). A State Health Promotions Director and a 5 A Day State Coordinator complete the group.

Minnesota became a 5 A Day for Better Health partner when the program first went national. Being the second healthiest state in the United States, it should not be surprising that Minnesotan's have consistently been, with a nod to Garrison Keillor and the citizens of Lake Wobegon, "above average" in consumption of fruits and vegetables. We have not quite met the target of 5 A Day but we have it in sight!

Keep crunching those fruits and vegetables, Minnesotans!

What is a 5 A Day Serving?

1cup leafy greens (spinach salad, kale, mixed greens)
¾ cup real fruit or vegetable juice (tomato, orange, grapefruit, mixed vegetable, etc.)
½ cup raw or cooked cut up or small fruits and vegetables (green beans, carrots, fruit cocktail, grapes, etc.)
¼ cup dried fruit (raisins, craisins, apricots, apple bits, etc.)
1 medium piece of whole fruit (apple, orange, banana)
½ cup freeze-dried fruits or vegetables (corn, peas, blueberries)