Healthier Cumberland is sponsoring a community health challenge called It Pays to Eat Fruits and Vegetables. This event will run for 6 weeks:  April 15th – May 26th.  Participants will log the number of cups of fruits and vegetables they consume each day and have the opportunity to win prizes. 

Not only are fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber, and other nutrients that are important for good health, they help in controlling your weight! They may also reduce the risk of some types of cancer and other chronic diseases. The goals of this community challenge are to become aware of how many fruits and vegetables we’re currently eating, learn how much we should be eating, and work toward meeting that goal.  Local restaurants and convenience stores will be participating by featuring It Pays to Eat Fruits and Vegetables side dishes or grab and go options.  Additionally, Community Tastes and Tips Events will be held at each of the Cumberland grocery stores during the challenge.

It Pays to Eat Fruits and Vegetables personal tracking log books will be available at the Cumberland Hospital, US Bank, and Jacobson’s Advanced Eye Care Clinic between April 6th and April 17th.  Log forms can also be printed from the “Current Challenge” page of the Healthier Cumberland website (www.healthiercumberland.org).  This challenge is free and open to all ages.  Participants that complete and submit their logs for all six weeks of the program will be eligible for a drawing of cash prizes to be awarded in Chamber Checks:  1st Prize - $250; 2nd Prize - $150; 3rd Prize - $50.