September brings not only the hope for cooler weather but a chance to eat more fruits and vegetables as we celebrate Fruits and Veggies-More Matters Month. The latest Dietary Guidelines and the nutrition recommendations from ChooseMyPlate are specific in how many fruits and vegetables each of us should eat each day, but most of us fall short.

To get the recommended amounts of fruits and vegetables each day, remember these two things:

  • Fill half your plate with fruits and vegetables at every meal and snack.
  • All kinds of fruits and vegetables (fresh, frozen, canned, dried, and 100% juice) count toward your daily intake.

The Arizona Department of Health Services has several programs that encourage people to eat more fruits and vegetables. For example, check out the new Arizona Farmers’ Market Map to find a market near your home or sign up to receive our healthy recipes every week.

Join me in taking the Fruits & Veggies-More Matters pledge. You can pledge to help your family eat one more fruits or vegetables every day or to fill half your plate with fruits and vegetables.