This public health initiative is a collaboration between Welch's and Produce for Better Health Foundation in celebration of September's "National Fruits & Veggies — More Matters Month(R)." P.A.C.K. Week is a simple five- day program that outlines easy ways to include a colorful array of fruits and vegetables — in all forms — into children's snacks and lunches.
To help children find fruits and veggies that they like in all color groups and to have fun in the process, each day of P.A.C.K. Week has been assigned a different color:
The week kicks off by focusing on the most overlooked category of fruits and vegetables: purple/blue. Only three percent of Americans' intake of produce comes from this category; yet, these fruits and vegetables provide a variety of nutrients not found in other colors. Purple/blue color is a clue to an abundance of protective natural antioxidants — the purple/blue fruits and veggies tend to be among the highest in antioxidant power. These nutrients are being studied for their ability to help promote cardiovascular and cognitive health and to help protect our health in a variety of other ways as well.
A simple and kid-friendly way to "pack purple" during P.A.C.K. Week is with Welch's 100% Grape Juice made from
While white, tan and brown fruits and vegetables may not be vibrant in color, they are extremely popular and full of vitamins, minerals and fiber.
Bananas are the most popular choice in this family, and contain the mineral potassium, which has been studied for its ability to help maintain healthy blood pressure. But for a change on
The midway point in P.A.C.K. Week is for red fruits and vegetables, which account for 24 percent of Americans' fruit and vegetable intake.
In school, red apples are almost as common as books and chalk, making it a natural choice for "Pack Red Day" on
Oranges are among the most popular of all fruits, so it's no wonder 24 percent of Americans' fruit and vegetable consumption comes from the yellow/orange category.
But on
Celebrate the finale of P.A.C.K. Week by including the green family of fruits and vegetables. It's the most popular of categories among Americans, accounting for more than one-quarter of all fruit and vegetable consumption.
Green apples and green grapes are always good choices because they're packed with nutrients and easy to take on-the-go. But on
"P.A.C.K. Week is a fun and engaging way to kick start the school year with healthy habits," said
In
"We were thrilled with last year's P.A.C.K. Week participation from schools all across America," said
Fruits & Veggies — More Matters is a national health call-to-action aimed at inspiring Americans to increase their daily fruit and vegetable consumption. Welch's is an active member of Produce for Better Health Foundation and is committed to helping Americans eat more fruit by providing wholesome and delicious fruit-based solutions to families.
For more information on P.A.C.K. Week, or to get involved in the program, visit http://www.welchs.com. For more information about Fruits & Veggies — More Matters, visit http://www.fruitsandveggiesmorematters.org.
SOURCE Welch's