South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control

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National Nutrition Month

March is National Nutrition Month and this year’s theme is Eat Right.

This observance focuses on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits. Keep in mind these key messages:

Eating Right Messages for Everyone

Eating right and staying fit are important no matter what your age. Help yourself to feel your best by making healthy food choices and being physically active every day.
Eating right doesn’t have to be complicated. Start with these recommendations from the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

• Emphasizes fruit, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat or fat-free milk and milk products
• Includes lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs and nuts.
• Is low in saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, salt (sodium) and added sugars.

Check out the following web site for more information:

• American Dietetic Association

The Governor has proclaimed March as Nutrition Month in South Carolina.  Click here to see the proclamation. (pdf)

Fruits and Veggies - More Matters

Eating more fruits and vegetables is better – no matter where you begin!
The Fruits & Veggies More Matters™ program promotes eating 2-6 cups of fruits and vegetables a day as recommended in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. 

Why eat more fruits and vegetables?

• You may decrease your risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and obesity.
• Eating at least 2½ cups of fruits and vegetables each day can help prevent cancer .
• According to a 2003 Stroke Journal Report, daily consumption of green-yellow vegetables reduces the risk of death from any stroke-type by 26% (compared with those who ate vegetables no more than once a week).
• The same report states that daily fruit intake reduced the risk of stroke death by 35% in men and 25% in women.

How many fruits and vegetables should you eat each day?

• Children ages 2 to 6 years: at least 2-3 cups
• Older children and most women: at least 3-4 cups
• Teen boys and most men: at least 4-6 cups

To find out more about Fruits & Veggies—More Matters™ visit the following links on our site.

• Fruits & Veggies—More Matters™ Background (pdf)
• Insights on the Consumption Gap (pdf)
• T.A.S.T.E. Tips for Moms (pdf)

Nutrition Consultant

The nutrition consultant for chronic disease risk reduction/health promotion also serves as the state coordinator for the Fruit and Vegetable Nutrition program.  Recognizing that nutrition is one part of a healthy lifestyle, the state program:

• Emphasizes partnerships/collaborations as the cornerstone of the program in SC.
• Promotes the use of evidence-based nutrition best practice to reduce the burden of chronic disease in SC.
• Promotes nutrition education in schools and communities.
• Endorses policy and environmental changes that support healthy lifestyle choices.

Fruits & Veggies - More Matters™ visit the following links on our site:

• Having Fun With Fruits and Vegetables
• Centers for Disease Control 5 A Day for Better Health
• Produce for Better Health Foundation
• Dole Food Company’s 5 A Day Program
• National Fruit and Vegetable Month Press Release Coming Soon!

Nutrition Partnerships

• State Department of Education's Office of School Food Services and Nutrition
• SC Healthy Schools
• USC School of Public Health
• USC Prevention Research Center
• Clemson Extension Service
• American Heart Association
• SC Department of Agriculture
• South Carolina Cancer Alliance

For additional information contact:
Susan Frost 803.545.4487