Canada: Half Your Plate promoting healthy eating

The new Half Your Plate fruit and vegetable campaign will be joining Healthy Families BC at the 102nd Grey Cup Festival from November 27-30, 2014. An initiative of the Canadian Produce Marketing Association (CPMA), Half Your Plate empowers Canadians of all ages to eat more fruits and veggies to improve their health while providing simple and practical ways to add a variety of produce to every meal and snack. After a successful launch on social media this summer, Half Your Plate is now gearing up for a consumer launch in January, starting with the Grey Cup festival.

“We are thrilled that Healthy Families BC invited us to participate in this huge event.” Stated Ron Lemaire, President, CPMA. “Many families will attend the Grey Cup festival, and it’s a great time to encourage them to fill half their plates with fruits and veggies.” Those attending the Grey Cup festival this week are encouraged to stop by the Half Your Plate booth for some free carrots, apples, and other great give-aways.

Although Canadians are becoming more conscious of what they eat, studies show that the average person only consumes 3.5-4.5 servings of fruits and vegetables every day. Yet Canada’s Food Guide recommends that adults get 7-10 servings per day, depending on gender. Half Your Plate encourages people to take it one meal at a time, analyzing the make-up of their plate rather than specific servings that can be confusing to many.

The Half Your Plate campaign was developed in collaboration with health partners the Canadian Cancer Society, the Canadian Public Health Association, and the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Please visit www.halfyourplate.ca, the campaign is also on Twitter, facebook and Pinterest under @halfyourplate.

For more information:
Vanessa Sherry
Canadian Produce Marketing Association
Tel: +1 613-226-4187 x225
Email: [email protected]