Vegetables and Fruit Social Marketing Campaign

Health Promotion and Protection

Published Wednesday, March 24, 2010

The nutritional value of fruit and vegetables, whether fresh, canned, or frozen is the focus of a new social marketing campaign, Goodness in Many Ways, launched today.

The goal is to show people the many ways to eat vegetables and fruits and help them prepare tasty meals and snacks.

Quotes

“We're working to help Nova Scotians eat healthier and be more healthy overall. The campaign is part of a larger effort to improve the health and well-being of individuals and families in our province.” Maureen MacDonald, Minister of Health Promotion and Protection

“People are not eating enough vegetables and fruit for a variety of reasons. There are real barriers, from not being able to afford to buy vegetables and fruit to knowing what to buy and how to prepare it. This campaign draws attention to the numerous ways to consume vegetables and fruit and helps to address some of these important issues.” Menna MacIsaac, CEO of the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia

“Most people know that eating vegetables and fruit is necessary for a healthy diet. This campaign is unique. It's not about telling people the number of servings they should eat, but rather, it's about helping them understand the options, such as fresh, frozen and canned, that are available.” Meg McCallum, director of programs and district services for the Canadian Cancer Society

Quick Facts

• The campaign is a partnership of the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia, the Canadian Cancer Society (Nova Scotia Division) and the Department of Health Promotion and Protection.
• According to Statistics Canada, less than one-third of Nova Scotians older than 12 consume the recommended five to 10 servings of vegetables and fruit per day. Yet, a diet rich in these foods helps improve overall health and decrease chronic diseases like heart disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes and obesity.
• Research for the campaign revealed that accessibility, availability and affordability keep Nova Scotians from consuming the recommended servings of vegetables and fruit.
• Goodness in Many Ways gives practical tips and advice on preparing meals and snacks using fresh, frozen or canned vegetables and fruit and how to freeze or can them when they are in season. The website features a monthly recipe and other resources.
• Phase 1 of the campaign includes TV ads, print ads for buses and bus shelters, posters, and a website. The two-year campaign is funded by the Department of Health Promotion and Protection and the Public Health Agency of Canada.

Learn More

• Goodness in Many Ways
• Department of Health Promotion and Protection
• Heart and Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia
• Canadian Cancer Society

Media Contacts

Tara Walsh

Health Promotion and Protection

902-424-6527

E-mail: tara.walsh@gov.ns.ca

Amy Totten

Heart and Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia

902-423-7682 ext. 3343

E-mail: atotten@heartandstroke.ns.ca

Jill Laing

Canadian Cancer Society

902-423-6183 ext. 248