You just flunked Fruits and Veggies 101, according to a report
card released last week by the National Fruit and Vegetable
Alliance. The organization, a partnership of federal agencies
and industry and consumer groups, examined Americans' produce
progress over the last five years in 15 areas related to
consumption. Here's a look at the report card: A (met or
exceeded goal) Vouchers for fruits and vegetables. The federal
Food and Nutrition Service, an arm of the Department of
Agriculture, introduced veggie vouchers a few years ago in its
Women, Infants, and Children program for low-income Americans.
The NFVA would like to see even higher-value vouchers per
person, but views this inclusion as "substantial progress."
"Fruits & Veggies—More Matters" campaign. Launched in 2007, the
campaign targets moms, emphasizing the importance of healthy
produce via a Web site, social networks, and state health
departments. Expansion of a school program. Funded by the
federal government, the Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Program met