A model to increase consumption of fruit and vegetables by implementing the "5-A-Day" initiative

The National Cancer Institute, in conjunction with the Produce for Better Health Foundation, launched a 5-A-Day initiative to increase fruit and vegetable consumption. State departments of health in 24 states were licensed to participate to implement behavior change interventions at the community level aimed at both adults and children. This article describes how schools could use the eight components of the expanded school health program to initiate a 5-A-Day program, and why schools need to participate in the 5-A-Day initiative. Specific strategies to implement in each component of the comprehensive school health program are described.