November 6, 2006
Awareness Campaign Continues To Promote Good Nutrition And Healthy Lifestyle During Florida Classic Fan Fare In Orlando
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services will continue to promote a healthier lifestyle and encourage everyone to improve their health and wellness through a balanced diet that includes fresh Florida products and physical activity at this year’s Florida Classic Fan Fare on November 18, 2006.
Each year the Florida Classic brings over 70,000 fans to the Florida Citrus Bowl in Orlando to the annual football competition between Florida’s two historically black colleges, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) and Bethune-Cookman College (BCC). As part of the pre-game festivities, the Florida Classic Fan Fare will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event, which will be held at the Citrus Bowl in Orlando, is free and open to the public.
Because of the rising rate of obesity and obesity-related illnesses, the Department encourages everyone to take action to improve their health through exercise and a balanced diet which includes fresh Florida fruits and vegetables. Statistics report that African-Americans consume less than half the amount of vegetables that Caucasians consume, and for this reason everyone should be educated and understand they can take action to improve their health.
“Experts have long touted the health benefits of eating fresh fruits and vegetables,” Florida Agriculture Commissioner Charles H. Bronson said. “Florida’s farmers grow everything we need for a nutritious and balanced diet rich in fresh produce. In Florida, we’re fortunate to have the ingredients for good health all around us. We need only take the personal initiative to improve our lifestyles.”
Healthy eating, physical activity, and a fun family experience will continue to be the highlight of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services exhibit. There will be a live radio remote with Star 94.5, giveaways of “Fresh from Florida” promotional items, health screenings, face painting for kids, a rock wall climbing to promote physical activity, and a showcase of beauty and hair products by the Colomer Group, a distributor of products such as African Pride and Cream of Nature. There will also be samples of “Fresh from Florida” products such as hot boiled peanuts, tangerines and Fruit Pearls™ fresh frozen citrus fruit cups.
For more information on African-American health, the steps to take toward a healthier lifestyle, and information about Florida-grown fruits and vegetables, visit
www.florida-agriculture.com/aahealth/index.htm.
For more information:
Yolanda Roundtree
(850) 488-9948
roundty@doacs.state.fl.us
