The Nation's Health Crisis

Of the numerous topics that were discussed at the United Fresh Washington Public Policy Conference last month in National Harbor, MD, one that stuck in my head is the nation’s battle with obesity. In fact, Kathleen Sebelius, secretary, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, said that about $215 billion has been spent on medical expenses and lost productivity, thanks to obesity-related health issues.

“We are raising the first generation of children who are projected to have a shorter lifespan than their parents,” she said. That statement is simply devastating. With all of the medical advancements we have access to that not only extend but also enhance our lives, it seems so senseless that people don’t want to take a step as simple as eating more produce to stay healthy and make sure their children are eating right, as well.

More Than A Kid Issue
But this isn’t just about the kids anymore; it is about the future of the country. Obesity-related issues are causing a drain on our already strained economy. I’m obviously preaching to the choir, but in a sense, our very lives will depend on getting people to eat right, and that will include a dramatic increase in fruit and vegetable consumption.

Why is it such a daunting task to get people to eat more produce? Don’t they understand the value of eating a balanced diet? Apparently they do not. In fact, one speaker at the conference came across a report indicating that fruit consumption actually declined recently.

So where does the problem lie? Sebelius mentioned “food deserts,” or areas in the nation that don’t have supermarkets nearby, as one factor that contributes to obesity. Currently about 24 million Americans are considered to be in food desert areas. Other reasons include the demands on the time of working parents, which mean fewer and fewer are preparing meals at home.

Educate, Educate, Educate
How can this be changed? Providing people with more information, was Sebelius’ response. “We have to make healthy eating the easy choice and remove the challenge that stops people from eating healthy.”

One way to do that, she said, is to link more schools with local farmers and bring chefs to schools to make fruit and vegetable creations that will taste good. Many growers are already involved in these types of programs.

At press time, United Fresh was hoping that the Child Nutrition Reauthorization Act is passed and the integrity of the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Snack Program is maintained. In essence, however, the overall objective has to be to overcome the obstacles that get in the way of healthy eating.

When she addressed the crowd at the conference, Sebelius said, “We need to work with you [the growers] and we need your continued commitment in partnership.”

Now more than ever, it is critical that consumers learn the importance eating right and the role fresh produce plays in a healthy diet. One grower recently told me that he goes into schools to talk to kids about healthy eating.

What are you doing to help increase the consumption of fruits and vegetables? Go to www.growingproduce.com, click on Opinion in the pull down tab, and then click on American Vegetable Grower opinions. Post your ideas on how to address this issue in the comment box at the end of the column.