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Community Corner

FRUIT AND VEGGIE FEST CELEBRATES THE BEST

The Network for a Healthy California and Grocers Statewide Help Shoppers Get Healthy

Each May, the Network for a Healthy California (Network), and its grocery retail partners statewide, hold Fruit and Veggie Fest events to encourage shoppers to fill their carts with the best healthy foods for their families, which includes plenty of fresh, frozen, dried, and canned fruits and vegetables. Shoppers also learn healthy habits like filling half of every plate with fruits and vegetables. In Los Angeles County, Fruit and Veggie Fest was held on Friday, May 17 at Northgate Market in Norwalk.

California’s grocers are on the frontlines of the obesity epidemic, which is why the Network works with more than 700 stores to reach shoppers at the point of purchase. Surveys show that retail promotions can have a positive impact on how shoppers spend their food dollars and CalFresh benefits. “From in-store healthy food demonstrations to store tours to special offers on fruits and vegetables, our retail partners are helping shoppers put healthy food in their carts and on their tables,” said Veena Raghavan, retail coordinator in the Los Angeles Region. “We also provide shoppers with tips like choosing a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables like red, orange or dark green, to add as the main part of their family’s meals, side dishes or even dessert.”

In Los Angeles, Northgate Markets has partnered with the Network for more than seven years hosting continuous Network healthy cooking demonstrations, store tours and offering Network educational materials in-store and online that help shoppers and employees understand that purchasing and preparing healthy meals is within every family’s reach. During the Fruit and Veggie Fest event, shoppers took part in a nutrition session offered by Northgate Markets Registered Dietitian, Claudia Rios followed by a food demonstration led by Champion Mom Aracely Rosas. Attendees also took home Network cookbooks and sampled nutritious recipes featuring in-season fruits and vegetables and the best foods from the canned, grain, frozen and dairy aisles. Champions for Change shared tips and ideas to help shoppers learn about healthy affordable food options and encouraged shoppers to participate in physical activities and get moving.

"Every trip to the grocery store is another chance to bring home the best for your family. When our shoppers fill their carts with fruits and vegetables, they can be sure the meals they make are nutritious and delicious,” said Teresa Blanco, wellness manager, Northgate Markets.

Learn more about Fruit and Veggie Fest and get great tips and recipes from Champion moms and dads from across California who are making healthy changes for their families and in their communities, by following the Network on Facebook.

For more information, visit CaChampionsForChange.neT or Facebook.com/NetworkForAHealthyCalifornia.

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