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September is Fruit & Veggies More Matters Month

According to research done by the Produce for Better Health Foundation, overall consumption of fruits and vegetables has declined 7% over the past five years. Luckily, the vast majority of fruit intake decline is secondary to less fruit juice being consumed. Still, a downward trend is the opposite of how we need to trend to improve the overall health of our nation’s people. Statistical modeling shows that both fruit and vegetable consumption is expected to increase 4% over the next five years, but is 4% enough? For more information, visit Fruits & Veggies More Matters.

• Freezing Fruits and Vegetables: Tips and Tricks
• Fruit Comparison Guide
• Vegetable Comparison Guide
• Fruits and Vegetables: 30 Ways to Sneak More Into Your Diet
• Fruits and Vegetables: Eating More During the Winter Months
• Fruits of Summer
• Produce Storage
• Salads: More Than Just Lettuce
• Vegetable Debate: Fresh, Frozen, or Canned?
• Weekly Rainbow Veggie Tracker

It's National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month

Only one in three children are physically active every day; children now spend more than 7 ½ hours a day in front of a screen, and overweight children have a 70% chance of being overweight adults. Empty calories from added sugars and solid fats contribute to 40% of total daily calories for 2–18 year olds and half of these empty calories come from six sources: soda, fruit drinks, dairy desserts, grain desserts, pizza, and whole milk. Obesity-related illness, including chronic disease, disability, and death, is estimated to carry an annual cost of $190.2 billion. For more information, visit the President's Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition.

• Obesity in Children: Facts and Causes
• Obesity Prevention in Children
• Obesity: Treatment of Children
• Overweight Child: What Can I Do to Help?
• Overweight: Evaluation and Treatment of Children
• Overweight: The Role of Parents and Caregivers
• Sugar: Is it OK to Feed Sugar to My Child?
• War on Childhood Obesity: Helpful Tools to Arm Your Family

September is Whole Grains Month

Research has proven that choosing whole grains in place of refined grains results in a decrease in risk of stroke, diabetes, heart disease, and overweight/obesity. Although benefits are most defined for individuals eating at least three servings of whole grains each day, it seems that every bit helps! For more information, visit the Whole Grains Council.

• Grain Glossary
• Grains and Grain Alternatives
• Grains: How Much Whole Grain Is Enough?
• Whole Grains: What You Should Know
• Whole-Grain Alternatives

It's Back to School Time!

Summer's just about over, and it's time to get the kids (or yourself!) ready to go back to school. Here are some articles on making the transition easier.

• Back to School: Snack Ideas
• Back-to-School Nutrition Tips
• Back to School: My Plate Your Lunch (Infographic)
• School Lunch Programs (Podcast)
• 10 Tips for Returning to School as an Adult
• School Nutrition Programs