• Only 14% of school aged children meet the target of 2 servings of fruit per day
• Only 17% meet the target of 3 servings of vegetables per day
• The average daily intake of fruit for children is 1.4 servings
• The average daily intake of vegetables for children is 2.6 servings
• In 1999, 13% of children 6 to 11 years old and 14% of adolescents 12 to 19 years old were overweight
• The prevalence of overweight children has doubled in the past 20 years and the overweight adolescents has tripled during the same period

The Solution:

• It is possible for schools to increase the amont of fruits and vegetables students eat by increasing the variety of fruits and vegetables, pre-plated salads and salad bars.
• Schools with salad bars offer a wider variety of vegetables and fruits than other schools; the typical salad bar offers 5.4 vegetables and 1.8 fruits
• By increasing students' exposure to 5 A Day messages and the health benefits of eating fruits and vegetables schools can influence student behavior

• Children who know the recommended number of servings of fruits and vegetables to eat each day are more likely to be high consumers of fruits and vegetables
• Recent research shows that obesity levels drop as fruit and vegetable consumption goes up
• Children's food preferences are learned through repeated exposure to foods, including fruits and vegetables.

• Children 6 to 12 need 4 servings of vegetables and 3 servings of fruit each day
• Active teens need 9 servings of fruits and vegetables every day.

• A serving of fruits or vegetables is:
• One medium sized fruit
• 1/2 cup raw, cooked, frozen, or canned fruits or vegetables
• 3/4 cup (6 ounces) 100% fruit or vegetable juice
• 1/2 cup cooked, canned, or frozen legumes (beans and peas)
• 1 cup raw, leafy vegetables (salads)
• 1/4 cup dried fruit

• Lunch can make a significant contribution towards meeting 5 to 9 servings of fruits and vegetables a day
• Side servings of fruits and vegetables can contribute 1-2 servings
• A large salad can easily contribute 2 to 5 servings
• A side salad can contribute 1-3 servings