NATIONAL 5 A DAY PARTNERSHIP MEETING CONVENES IN WASHINGTON, D.C.

WASHINGTON, D.C.— The National 5 A Day Partnership Meeting has gathered all new 5 A Day partners and stakeholders for the first time April 25-27. This benchmark in the history of 5 A Day integrates nutrition policy, industry perspectives, state coalition building, and strategic planning for the future of 5 A Day.

Invited meeting participants include keynote speakers Ann Veneman, Secretary, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and Tommy Thompson, Secretary, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Also attending the National 5 A Day Partnership Meeting are new National Cancer Institute (NCI) Director Andrew C. von Eschenbach, Representative Sam Farr (D-California), Senator Richard Lugar (R-Indiana), and other dignitaries and industry leaders.

Elizabeth Pivonka, chair of the National 5 A Day Partnership steering committee, will present “Vision of the National 5 A Day Partnership.” The discussion will address the Partnership’s ambitious vision to secure a “comprehensive, coordinated national campaign infrastructure that increases fruit and vegetable consumption to 5 A Day for 75 percent of Americans by 2010.” Pivonka will also discuss the action steps and cooperation needed to bring the vision to fruition.

Panel discussions featuring all Partnership members, including the USDA, are on the agenda as well as sessions on building coalitions, social marketing, advocacy, and grant writing. The meeting also addresses how to work with the fruit and vegetable industry including wholesalers, commodity boards, and supermarket retailers. The state perspective will also be presented as current 5 A Day state coordinators share best practices from 5 A Day models that work.

The National 5 A Day Partnership was established in January 2001 in response to recommendations based on NCI’s 5 A Day for Better Health Program Evaluation Report. The Partnership formed to guide the 5 A Day program into the future with an expanded base of health-oriented government agencies, businesses, and non—profits willing to commit significant resources to the 5 A Day effort. Also designed to mobilize organizations and agencies at federal, state, and community levels, this 5 A Day coalition works to increase fruit and vegetable consumption by capitalizing on the vast local volunteer networks, enhanced advocacy capabilities, and targeted research of its partners. The National 5 A Day Partnership members include: American Cancer Society, Association of State and Territorial Directors of Health Promotion and Public Health Education, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Alliance for Nutrition and Activity, National Cancer Institute, Produce for Better Health Foundation, Produce Marketing Association, United Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Association, and the United States Department of Agriculture.

About 5 A Day and Produce for Better Health

The 5 A Day for Better Health program is the nation’s largest public-private nutrition education initiative with 5 A Day coordinators in each state, territory and the military. The Produce for Better Health Foundation is a non—profit organization whose mission is to be the catalyst for creating a healthier America through increased consumption of a variety of fruits and vegetables. Together with its founding partner, the National Cancer Institute, and an expanding base of other health-oriented non—profits, government agencies, and businesses, PBH sponsors the National 5 A Day program. For more information about PBH and the 5 A Day program, visit www.5aday.com or call 302-235-ADAY (2329). To learn more about produce go to www.aboutproduce.com.