In late October, 2013, the Food and Wellness Group visited Houston to preview The Colors of Health to those on the ground floor of America’s campaign for better health through improved nutrition. Here at the Food and Nutrition Conference and Expo (FNCE), sponsored by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, we previewed the new, color-guided, goal-oriented marketing initiative developed by the Food and Wellness Group to finally “move the needle” in the consumption of fruits and vegetables.
The Colors of Health initiative directly takes on the national marketing challenge of increasing the total consumption of all fruits and vegetables from the current average of 2.5 cups per day–an amount that hasn’t changed in decades–to the USDA Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) recommended amount of 5 cups a day. Increasing consumption to an average of 5 cups (2 cups of fruit and 3 cups of vegetables) a day is widely accepted as the leading dietary recommendation that will help reduce the rates of chronic disease and obesity in our population and improve overall health. The Colors of Health strategy offers an innovative, powerful approach to the complex problem of changing America’s dietary habits.
Our program includes integrated tools designed to educate people about the health benefits of colorful fruits and vegetables. Using the original five-color model created by the founders of the Food and Wellness Group, the program motivates consumers to eat all their colors every day to get the full spectrum of vitamins, minerals, fiber and phytonutrients the body needs: 5 colors, 5 cups, every day, for better health. Coming in January, 2014, a website, mobile app, shop-by-color guide and other tools will enable participants to track their progress toward their daily goal. In addition, we have developed a complete communications program for the supermarket environment to encourage consumers to “shop the color way.”
As exhibitors at FNCE, we engaged with the country’s influential dietitians to look for their input and critical support. We also initiated discussions with nutritionists, educators, commodity groups, supermarket chains, product marketers, government agencies and others who are interested in being an active and supporting part of this new and aggressive national marketing effort. Our goal is to launch The Color Revolution.
The Colors of Health will launch in January 2014. Visit ColorsOfHealth.com to learn more.