The
New Jersey Department of Agriculture and the New
Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services
are the newest members of the New Jersey Nets "Hoops
Zone" team, thanks to an innovative partnership
between the New Jersey 5-A-Day Coalition, of which
the agencies are members, and the Produce for Better
Health Foundation. Through Hoops Zone's travels
around the state during the off-season, youngsters
will see how important the "5-A-Day" message is
to basketball professionals and sports fans as
well. The focus of the 5-A-Day effort is to encourage
New Jerseyans to eat at least 5 servings of fruits
and vegetables daily. "Research shows that eating
five or more daily servings of fruits and vegetables
can help to reduce the risk of many diseases and
illnesses including cancer, heart disease, diabetes,
and stroke," said Art Brown, Jr., New Jersey Secretary
of Agriculture. "We are delighted that the Nets
have joined us in promoting the positive benefits
of fruits and vegetables for young and old alike." The
partnership between 5-A-Day and the Nets sounded
like a winner from the first time it was suggested
by New Jersey 5-A-Day Coalition member Jeff Schilling,
Director of RLB Food Distributors, West Caldwell,
since many of the Nets' players focus on healthy
diets and exercise as part of their daily routine.
It's a sure bet that children will be more apt
to try unfamiliar fruits and vegetables if they
know their sports heroes include such foods in
their diets. By partnering with the New Jersey
Nets, the Garden State's children will get a positive
message about good nutrition. The New Jersey Nets
Hoops Zone truck will incorporate the message into
its activities and the Coalition plans to exhibit
during Nets home games during the 2000-2001 season.
This new medium for the 5-A-Day message joins existing
venues including health promotion activities conducted
at Newark's after-school program, Boys and Girls
Clubs of America, Community Youth Organizations,
urban recreation centers statewide, and other activities
and events in which the Coalition and its members
participate year round. The New Jersey Coalition
and its members participate in activities statewide
throughout the year. Last year the slate included
the 1999 5-A-Day Across America Tour, Septemberfest
in Mercer County, as well as other activities sponsored
by county extension services, school districts,
supermarkets, and healthcare organizations. Planned
activities for this year include statewide events
during National 5-A-Day Week, September 10 - 16,
2000, where the theme will be "Fruits and Vegetables
by Popular Demand."
For
information about joining the NJ 5-A-Day Coalition
or upcoming events, contact Jacqueline Feldman,
NJ Department of Agriculture at (609) 292-5567.
To become a licensed 5-A-Day sponsor or for other
information about the 5-A-Day for Better Health
Program, contact the Produce for Better Health
Foundation at (302) 235-ADAY or visit the Foundation's
web site at http://www.5aday.com. |
