Kids eating half the amount of vegetables needed for good health

September 1, 2009

Western Australian kids are falling well short of the recommended amount of vegetables needed for good health.

Survey results show that young children eat close to two serves of fruit each day but only eat an average of 2.3 serves of vegetables, which is less than half of the five serves recommended.

This month is Fruit ‘n’ Veg Month and the Cancer Council Western Australia is encouraging parents to get kids to eat more vegetables every day.

“Children are going well in their fruit consumption, now we need to get more vegetables into their day,” said Steve Pratt from the Cancer Council.

“We know that healthy eating is really important when it comes to setting kids up for a healthy adulthood including cancer prevention .  We need to continue with our efforts, especially when it comes to vegies,” he said.

Celebrity chef Anna Gare is passionate about good food and is getting right behind Fruit ‘n’ Veg Month and the Go for 2&5 campaign.

“I'm worried about what our younger generation eats and how much processed food is in their diet with all of those additives and preservatives,” Anna said.

“I think it's time to get back to basics and get back into real, fresh food. Going for 2 and 5 everyday is a great way to do that.”

Anna has a host of great ideas to get kids to eat more vegetables and fruit.

“I try and incorporate fruit and vegetables into everything possible for our family. There is always fruit on our breakfast table and I use older fruit for smoothies. I chop up carrots and cucumber for wraps at lunch, we have salad with virtually every meal and loads of vegetables.

“I also have frozen veggies on hand when I've run out of the fresh stuff.”

Steve added, “If they eat more vegetables and fruit now kids will reap the rewards in the
long run as they will have better overall health as adults.”

For tips on how to get more fruit and vegetables into your day go to www.gofor2and5.com.au.

The Go for 2&5® campaign is funded by the Department of Health, Western Australia
and delivered by Cancer Council WA in partnership with Diabetes WA.