National Security May Depend On A Healthy Diet [Opinion]

Rosemary Gordon

Rosemary Gordon

Recently, I added kale to my diet. Why? Because my daughter wanted me to. Unlike most kids, she must have actually listened to me about the importance of eating fruits and vegetables. For years, I encouraged my kids to eat nine servings of fruits and vegetables a day.

That number of servings is now up to 13, according to one of the speakers at United Fresh’s Washington Public Policy Conference, which was held Sept. 8-10 in Washington, DC.

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Achieving that goal is important, as our national security may depend on us to promote more servings of fruits and vegetables. James A. Barnett, Jr., rear admiral U.S. Navy (retired) of Mission: Readiness, a nonprofit organization of retired military leaders looking out for the next generation, said 70% of young adults attempting to join the military can’t because they are overweight and undereducated.

Barnett added, however, that in 2012-13 the majority of schools in the country have made changes to the food choices offered in schools and removed junk food. We must continue down this path, Barnett said, because “retreat is not an option. We are talking about the future of this country.”

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Eduardo Sanchez, chief science and medical officer at the American Heart Association, added that the state of obesity in the U.S. has leveled off, but there is still much to do to encourage healthy eating habits in America’s youth. “It will take more than an apple a day to keep the doctor away,” he added.

As it will take more than apples, why not encourage kale consumption, or another superfood? Those promoting kale are making sure its health benefits do not go unnoticed. Although many of you probably are not aware, Oct. 1 is National Kale Day, marking the second time it has been celebrated.

“Grassroots influencers are an important part of the success of National Kale Day and every movement that promotes increased consumption of fruits and vegetables,” said Melinda Goodman, managing partner of Full Tilt Marketing and produce industry advocate. “But the kale growers are the first step in advocacy and we are excited to be working on opportunities to work together to raise awareness for this special superfood.”

You, too, can raise awareness about kale and the vegetables you grow by participating in events such as National Kale Day, National Watermelon Day or another Name-That-Commodity Day. Take advantage of these “days” to promote your product.

We must promote healthy eating. It is not only good for business, it may be a matter of national security.

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