On Tuesday 23 February, the Canadian Produce
Marketing Association (CPMA) met with federal
Parliamentarians to discuss the importance of the
produce industry and increasing fruit and vegetable
consumption in Canada.
"The CPMA continues to do a great job of growing our fruit and vegetable business across Canada. I'm proud to see such a thriving industry supplying Canadians with healthy food throughout the year," states Minister of Agriculture Lawrence MacAulay.
"Evidence shows that a balanced diet filled with fruits and vegetables is a cornerstone of good health, yet 60% of Canadians over the age of 12 do not eat the recommended five or more servings of fruits and vegetables per day," adds Ron Lemaire, President, CPMA. "We need to show Canadians how easy it is to prepare fresh, healthy meals at home, and our Half Your Plate Ambassador Chef Michael Smith's message is intended to inspire change."
"Filling half your plate with fruits and vegetables at every meal is easier than you may think. We're proud to partner with the CPMA in helping Canadians live healthier lives," says Ian Culbert, Executive Director, Canadian Public Health Association.
Chef Michael Smith performed a cooking demonstration at the event to promote the CPMA's Half Your Plate message. Host of Chef Michael's Kitchen, Chef Abroad and Chef at Home on Food Network Canada, Chef Smith has devoted his time to helping Canadians create a healthy food lifestyle that includes lots of daily fruits and vegetables.
The Half Your Plate program was launched in January 2015 by the CPMA and health partners the Canadian Cancer Society, the Canadian Public Health Association, and the Heart and Stroke Foundation. The campaign emphasizes how fun, practical and easy it is to prepare a wide variety of fruits and vegetables for meals and snacks at home, at school, at work, eating out or on the go. More information is available at www.halfyourplate.ca.
For more information, please visit www.cpma.ca.
Source: Canadian Produce Marketing Association
