Ivan Medina from the Network for a Healthy California displays bike and bike helmet, the prize for the passport drawing. One of the Sespe Elementary after school program students won this prize at the drawing!

Super A Foods and Ventura County Public Health Department hosted the fifth annual Fruit and Veggie Fest in Fillmore last Thursday to help shoppers bridge the nutritional gap and improve their health by snacking smart. Pictured is Joann Torres, and Barry Fisher, Public Health Director who presented Marty Martinez, Super A Store Director with a recognition award for making fruits and vegetables available to the community at affordable prices.

Super A Foods and Ventura County Public Health Department today hosted the fifth annual Fruit and Veggie Fest in Fillmore to help shoppers bridge the nutritional gap and improve their health by snacking smart. The theme, “snack every day the healthy way” is part of a statewide effort to empower families to be Champions for Change who make healthy, active living a priority.

“With so many choices at the supermarket, it’s often hard for families to be certain they are picking the healthiest options,” said Cristina Wells, retail specialist, Network for a Healthy California. “Through Fruit and Veggie Fest, the Network and Super A Foods help shoppers understand that purchasing and preparing healthy snacks is a small change within every family’s reach. We’re helping families reinvent the idea of what it means to snack.”

Ventura County is battling an obesity epidemic, with more than 62percent of low-income residents ages 18 and above who are currently overweight or obese. Studies show eating fruits and vegetables can help lower the risk of obesity and other serious health problems. Although California is doing better than most states, Californians are still not consuming fruits and vegetables 5 or more times daily. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2010 recommend all Americans eat more fruits and vegetables. Today’s Fruit and Veggie Fest event educated shoppers on the amount of fruits and vegetables they need and reminded them even small steps like snacking smart can lead to big health improvements.

The fun-filled day inspired local participants with activities including store tours highlighting fresh, frozen, canned, dried, and juiced fruits and vegetables; a food demonstration on healthy snacks with free samples, recipes, and cooking ideas; information on community services such as CalFresh, WIC, Head Start, and Health Care for Kids; and, free health screenings provided by Ventura County Public Health Mobile Unit and Chronic Disease Prevention Program. Special guests included Public Health Director Barry Fisher who presented Store Director Marty Martinez of Super A with a certificate of recognition for making available a variety of fruits and vegetables at affordable prices; Dr. Johnston from Fillmore Family Medical Group who addressed community attendees on health and wellness. Champion Mom of Oxnard, Mariela Hill, was also on hand to share with other local moms some of the small steps and changes she has made to include more fruits and vegetables in her family’s daily meals and snacks and to share tips on how to incorporate physical activity for the whole family.
“Grocery stores and supermarkets, like ours, play an important role in making healthy changes happen in our community,” said Marty Martinez, store director. “At Super A’s, we are committed to doing our part by ensuring our customers have access to healthy and affordable food options and opportunities to take part in events, such as Fruit and Veggie Fest, where they can learn how to make healthier choices each time they shop.”

Fruit and Veggie Fest in Fillmore was part of a series of events happening throughout California during the month of May. The event was just one example of how the Network partners with small and large retailers across California to improve the health of families. The Network also provides tips, newsletters, recipe cards and other materials to help retailers encourage shoppers to make informed food purchasing decisions.
“The great crowds during today’s Fruit and Veggie Fest event showed that Fillmore is a community that’s hungry for healthy change. By joining the day’s activities, hundreds of low-income shoppers are now empowered to make important and necessary changes in their households so they can take control of their families’ health and well-being,” added Wells.

About the Network for a Healthy California
The California Department of Public Health’s Network for a Healthy California (Network) is a public health effort working with hundreds of partners and organizations to empower low-income Californians to live healthier lives through good nutrition and physical activity. Funding is from USDA SNAP, known in California as CalFresh. For CalFresh information, call 877-847-3663. For important nutrition information, visit www.cachampionsforchange.net.