SOUTH DAKOTA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
FOR RELEASE: September 5, 2001
CONTACT: Kristin Bisekborn, MPH, RD, LN, 734-4551

     September 9-15 is National 5 A Day Week and a good reminder to eat at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables each day. It's also a good chance to sample the wide variety of fruits and vegetables grown in South Dakota.

     "South Dakota grows a wonderful selection of fruits and vegetables and many of them are available in September," said Kristin Biskeborn, State Nutritionist. "Load up the family and take a trip to a local produce stand, farmer's market, or an orchard for the freshest selection of local fruits and vegetables."

     South Dakota fruits available in September include apples, pears, raspberries, grapes, watermelon and cantaloupe. The list of South Dakota grown vegetables available in September is even longer and includes beans, beets, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, sweet corn, cucumbers, kohlrabi, lettuce, onions, peppers, potatoes, pumpkins, radishes, summer squash, winter squash, and tomatoes. Biskeborn reminded consumers to thoroughly wash fruits and vegetables before eating.

     And when fresh fruit and vegetables aren't available, canned, dried or frozen foods can help reach the 5 A Day goal. Juice also counts for 5 A Day as long as it is 100% juice.

     To learn more about good nutrition visit the following web sites:

• This National Cancer Institute site lets visitors enter information about their fruit and vegetable consumption and physical activity and receive personalized, specific tips in return. It includes healthful recipes.

• The Tufts University Health & Nutrition Letter has developed a rating system and score card for food and nutrition web pages.

• The Dole Five A Day Program is an interactive and fun site that promotes healthy eating and lifestyle habits. 

• Kidshealth is a website devoted to the health of children and teens. It offers current information about growth, food, health, and fitness.