Montreal, January 22, 2019 – The Quebec Produce Marketing Association (QPMA) welcomes the recommendations in Canada’s new Food Guide for consuming more fruits and vegetables. The attractive new design of the Guide’s standard plate confirms the place of fruits and vegetables in a healthy diet. It’s a simple visual reminding consumers that they should fill at least half their plate with fruits and vegetables. The QPMA has played an active role in promoting healthy lifestyles for over 15 years. In August 2018, the association launched the “I Love Fruits and Vegetables Movement” with tips and tricks for helping Quebecers eat more fruits and vegetables every day.
Montreal, January 22, 2019 – The Quebec Produce Marketing Association (QPMA) welcomes the recommendations in Canada’s new Food Guide for consuming more fruits and vegetables. The attractive new design of the Guide’s standard plate confirms the place of fruits and vegetables in a healthy diet. It’s a simple visual reminding consumers that they should fill at least half their plate with fruits and vegetables. The QPMA has played an active role in promoting healthy lifestyles for over 15 years. In August 2018, the association launched the “I Love Fruits and Vegetables Movement” with tips and tricks for helping Quebecers eat more fruits and vegetables every day.
Fruits and vegetables: the best investment in health, the economy, and the environment
The work in raising awareness of the benefits of eating fruits and vegetables is far from over. More than half of Quebecers still consume less than the equivalent of five servings a day[1] according to an economic impact study on Quebec’s fruit and vegetable industry released by the QPMA last year. The study also shows that an increase in fruit and vegetable consumption would lead to a reduction in chronic disease and to considerable savings in healthcare costs[2]. If everyone in Quebec consumed just one more serving of fruits and vegetables a day, it would prevent an estimated 4000 cases of disease a year and cut healthcare costs by some $450 million by 2035[3].
In addition to investing in better health and a stronger economy, eating more plant-based food is a way to contribute to sustainable development for a healthier planet as well.
The QPMA is an essential partner in promoting healthy lifestyles for all Quebecers
The QPMA is committed to playing a leadership role in helping Quebecers adopt healthy lifestyles by integrating more plant-based food into their daily diet. The organization has developed a full range of tools and resources to motivate consumers to move in that direction. To this end, the QPMA will continue to be an essential player in promoting Canada’s new Food Guide.
Quotes
“The update of this important reference source helps us in pursuing our mission of reminding Quebec families that with an average of nearly 1500 products available annually in the fruit and vegetable section of the typical grocery store, they always have easy access to a wide range of healthy and tasty food all year round. And fruits and vegetables still represent the best nutritional value/price ratio. The new Food Guide also emphasizes that any way you increase your consumption of fruits and vegetables, whether from fresh, canned, or frozen, is a good way. QMPA members are ready with everything you need to fill a healthy food basket.”
– Sophie Perreault, QPMA president & CEO
“Eating fruits and vegetables should always be a pleasure. And it’s a tasty delicacy that comes with tons of benefits. It’s one of the best health insurance policies you can get. As spokesperson for the I Love Fruits and Vegetables Movement, I invite all Quebecers to eat their fruits and veggies even more because when you love them this much, you don’t even need to keep score.”
- Julie DesGroseilliers, nutritionist and spokesperson for the I Love Fruits and Vegetables Movement
About the QPMA
Founded in 1947, the Quebec Produce Marketing Association (QPMA) is a non-profit organization that brings together members from the entire fruit and vegetable industry, working in close interaction with them and with its various industry partners. With a mission of creating a favourable environment for the development of fruit and vegetable marketing in Quebec, the QPMA plays a leadership role in promoting fruits and vegetables and represents and defends the best interests of its members with government and industry.
About the I Love Fruits and Veggies Movement
Launched by the QPMA, the I Love Fruits and Vegetables Movement is a follow-up to the “I love 5 to 10 servings a day” campaign. In both cases, the objective remains the same: to raise public awareness of the importance of consuming fruits and vegetables as part of a healthy lifestyle. For more information, please go to ilovefruitsandveggies.ca and follow us on social media.
[1] Aviseo Economic Impact Study – Analysis
[2] Aviseo Economic Impact Study – Analysis
[3] Aviseo Economic Impact Study – Analysis
Source: Quebec Produce Marketing Association
Information:
Malika Paradis
418-933-2593
mparadis@tactconseil.ca
