Fruit & Vegetable Consumption Related to Greater Happiness

Jefferson County Public Health believes it is important to highlight the direct correlation between our diet and our health.  While proper handling and preparation steps are crucial to food safety, creating a healthy and balanced diet is equally as important to our health.  

While it is no secret that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables keeps us healthy, new research findings suggest that this same diet may also make us happier.  Preliminary evidence has shown that eating fruits and vegetables is related to greater self-reported curiosity, creativity, happiness, life satisfaction, and positive affect. Consumption of fruits and vegetables is believed to promote a general, overall more positive state of well-being.

Be sure to combine health and happiness this fall with a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and consider adding an extra apple or handful of carrots to lunch!

For more information on healthy eating, visit Jefferson County Public Health’s Healthy Eating, Active Living web page.

The study, published in the British Journal of Health Psychology, is available on PubMed. Science Daily online news published a report on the study: Fruit and Vegetable Consumption Could be as Good for Your Mental as Your Physical Health. 

Growing Healthy with WIC

Women , Infants & Children Program

The JCPH Nutrition Services Woman, Infants & Children (WIC) Program provides nutrition education and support for low-income pregnant, breastfeeding, and non-breastfeeding postpartum women. This program also helps infants and children up to age five who are found to be at nutritional risk. In addition, WIC has teamed up with Cavity Free Families to help implement good oral health habits. At Jefferson County Public Health , our WIC educators are here to help you. If you or anyone you know might benefit from WIC services, call 303-239-7143 to set up an appointment at our Edgewater, Lakewood or Arvada clinics.

Be sure and visit one of the Health and Produce fairs being held this summer for low-income residents and seniors who may not otherwise have access to fresh fruits and vegetables:

Healing Waters Family Center

6475 W. 29th Ave 

Wheat Ridge, CO, 80214-8002 

(between Wadsworth & Sheridan on W. 29th Avenue)

Friday, June 14; Friday, July 12 and, Friday, August 9

9:00 am-11:00 am.

Please note that while there is no income or residential requirement to participate, JCPH trusts that the goal of providing nourishment and education to low-income residents will be respected and supported. The produce fairs are coordinated by the Produce and Health Fair County Collaborative: Food Bank of the Rockies, Cooking Matters, CSU Extension, Denver Public Health, Jefferson County Public Health, City of Thornton and Tri-County Health Department.

The Bounty of Jefferson County

In Jefferson County we all know how lucky we are to be located at the base of the grand Rocky Mountains where we have access to the very best activities, beautiful sunsets and fresh produce! Buying local is good for our community and eating fresh fruits and vegetables is great for your health. Check out the following local Farmer’s Markets in your Jefferson County City.

Golden Arvada Lakewood Wheat Ridge Evergreen

While you’re out shopping for local produce, consider the possibility of planting your own garden! Gardening can help you get the physical activity you need, provide healthy meals and educate your entire family. For more information about the benefits of gardening and tips to do it safely, visit the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention’s website.

Jefferson County Produce & Health Fair

Jefferson County Public Health Nutrition Services has organized three produce and health fairs again this year for low-income residents and seniors who may not otherwise have access to fresh fruits and vegetables. Last year the JCPH Produce and Health Fairs distributed food and information to over 1,980 households in Jefferson County. This year, as in previous years, the produce and health fairs will be held at:

Healing Waters Family Center

6475 W. 29th Ave 

Wheat Ridge, CO, 80214-8002 

(between Wadsworth & Sheridan on W. 29th Avenue)

Friday, June 14; Friday, July 12 and, Friday, August 9

9:00 am-11:00 am.

Please note that while there is no income or residential requirement to participate, Jefferson County Public Health trusts that the goal of providing nourishment and education to low-income residents will be respected and supported. The produce fairs are coordinated by the Produce and Health Fair County Collaborative: Food Bank of the Rockies, Operation Frontline Colorado, Adams County Food Distribution, Immaculate Heart of Mary Food Bank, Denver Public Health, Jefferson County Public Health and Tri-County Health Department. Please contact JCPH Nutrition Services, Nancy G. Obrien at 303-239-7126 with any questions. To view pictures of previous produce fairs click here.

JCPH Produce & Health Fair

JCPH Nutrition Services has organized three produce and health fairs again this year for low-income residents and seniors who may not otherwise have access to fresh fruits and vegetables. Now in its fifth year, Jefferson County Public Health’s produce fairs encourage residents to make eating fresh produce a priority and promote a healthy lifestyle. Download flyer

Where:    Healing Waters Family Center, 6475 West 29th Avenue, Wheat Ridge CO 80214
When:      Fridays: July 13, 2012; August 10, 2012
Time:       9 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Each adult will receive a bag of FREE fruits & vegetables. No income or residential requirements to participate. To volunteer, donate produce, or for more information call: 303.239.7126


JCPH Nutrition Services has a wealth of information on healthy eating, check out their newsletter for families.

A slideshow of last month’s produce fair is available on our flickr account: http://bit.ly/LEFQAG