Dear Americans, Eat Your Fruits and Vegetables!

Jefferson County Public Health is continually working to increase knowledge about balanced, healthy diets and active living, beginning very early in life and continuing across the lifespan. Eating a healthy diet full of fruits and vegetables and leading an active lifestyle can drastically improve overall health. For example, did you know that eating more fruits and vegetables can increase a person’s intake of essential nutrients and reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke and some cancers? Plus, fruits and veggies can also help manage body weight, as they are a filling, healthy substitute to other unhealthier and more energy-dense foods. So, then, why are only 13.1% of American adults eating enough fruits (based on the national dietary recommendations) and only 8.9% eating enough vegetables?

Being active and eating healthy is paramount to achieving a healthier weight and minimizing the negative health consequences of being overweight or obese. Spurred by sedentary lifestyles and unhealthy diets, it is now estimated that more than 1/3 of American adults are obese and 17% of all children and adolescents are obese in the United States. New efforts are needed to build consumer desire and demand for fruits and vegetables through more reasonable and competitive pricing, as well as promotion of the associated health benefits of a balanced diet in child care centers, schools, grocery stores, communities and at work.

Are you ready to make some healthy diet changes right away? The American Heart Association includes the following among their tips for increasing daily intake of fruits and vegetables:

§  Fill at least half your plate with fruits and vegetables

§  All produce counts: canned, dried, fresh and frozen

§  Compare food labels on canned, dried and frozen fruits and vegetables and choose the lowest sodium and added sugar content

§  Add a fruit or vegetable salad to lunch or dinner

§  Eat raw vegetable sticks instead of chips

§  Carry dried fruit, such as raisins, dates or dried apricots for snacks

§  Add chopped vegetables like onions, garlic and celery when preparing soup, stew, beans, rice and sauces

For more information on nutrition resources available through JCPH, visit the Nutrition Services and Women, Infants and Children webpage. 

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. 

Health Grows in your Local Community Garden

by Erika Jerme

Just in time for Earth Day, planting season is upon us. Connect to the earth and improve your health by joining a community garden! Community gardening has substantial benefits for the environment, as well as for health. Community gardens help to improve local ecology by bringing green spaces to urban neighborhoods[1] and increasing habitat for pollinators including bees.[2] Gardens also beautify neighborhoods and increase property values: gardens on formerly vacant lots have been found to decrease blight, reduce crime, and prevent illegal dumping of trash or hazardous materials.[3]

Community gardens also have positive health impacts. Family members of gardeners are 3.5 times more likely than non-gardeners to eat the recommended five servings of fruits and vegetables per day.[4] A study of gardeners in the Denver metro found that 56% of community gardeners met national recommendations to consume fruits and vegetables at least 5 times per day, compared with 37% of home gardeners and only 25% of non-gardeners.[5] Moreover, gardeners often exchange recipes and tips on growing different fruits and vegetables, developing new social norms around healthy eating.[6] Particularly in neighborhoods that lack healthy, affordable food retail outlets like grocery stores or farmers markets, community gardens can increase access to fresh fruits and vegetables.[7] In addition to improving nutrition, gardening gets people outdoors and active, and improves mental well-being.[8] Finally, residents who participate in community gardens build relationships and increase trust with their neighbors. This increased social cohesion is also associated with better health.[9]

Visit Denver Urban Gardens at www.dug.org to learn more about community gardening, and to find a garden near you.

JCPH encourages families to eat local produce whether from the grocery store, farmers’ markets or home garden. For those who grow, consider donating to help others. Produce for Pantries is a coalition of 16 Colorado organizations dedicated to addressing local hunger by encouraging community, school and home garderners to plant, grow and share healthy food with a food pantry or hunger relief organization in their neighnorhood. There still is a need for gardeners to grow and donate food freshly grown produce! For more information about local food pantries, call the Hunger Free Hotline at 855-855-4626. For more information about Produce for Pantries, please visit www.produceforpantries.com or email produceforpantries@gmail.com. 

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[1] Ferris, J., Norman, C. and J. Sempik. 2001. “People, Land and Sustainability: Community Gardens and the Social Dimensions of Sustainable Development.” Social Policy & Administration 35(5): 559-568.

[2] Matteson, K.C., Ascher, J.S. and G.A. Langellotto. 2008. “Bee Richness and Abundance in New York City Urban Gardens.” Annals of the Entomological Society of America 101(1): 140-150.

[3] Schukoske, Jane E. 2000. “Community Development through Gardening: State and Local Policies Transforming Urban Open Space.” New York University Journal of Legislation and Public Policy 3(2): 351-392.

[4] Alaimo, Katherine, Packnett, Elizabeth, Miles, Richard A., Kruger, Daniel J. 2008. “Fruit and Vegetable Intake Among Urban Community Gardeners.” Journal of Nutritional Education & Behavior 40: 94-101.

[5] Litt, J., et al. 2011. “The Influence of Social Involvement, Neighborhood Aesthetics, and Community Garden Participation on Fruit and Vegetable Consumption.” American Journal of Public Health 101(8): 1466-1473.

[6] Teig, E., et al. 2009. “Collective efficacy in Denver, Colorado: Strengthening neighborhoods and health through community gardens.” Health and Place 15: 1115-1122.

[7] Twiss, J., et al. 2003. “Community gardens: Lessons learned from California Healthy Cities and Communities.” American Journal of Public Health 93(9): 1435-1438. 

[8] Teig, E., et al. 2009. “Collective efficacy in Denver, Colorado: Strengthening neighborhoods and health through community gardens.” Health and Place 15: 1115-1122.

[9] Teig, E., et al. 2009. “Collective efficacy in Denver, Colorado: Strengthening neighborhoods and health through community gardens.” Health and Place 15: 1115-1122.

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