"Fruits and vegetables are the original fast food. The simple action of eating five to nine servings of fruits and vegetables a day reduces the risk for cancer, heart disease, diabetes, obesity, hypertension and other chronic diseases," said Secretary Thompson. "We welcome our new 5 A Day Program partners and their commitment to bringing this important disease prevention message to all Americans."

Under the new agreement, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), whose programs and activities touch one of every six Americans, will expand its role in the National 5 A Day Partnership. This new commitment includes increasing consumer education opportunities related to 5 A Day, conducting research related to nutrient values in fruits and vegetables and strengthened collaboration among federal, state and industry organizations to promote fruit and vegetable consumption in addressing national health issues. One specific goal is to provide additional information to consumers that encourages a balanced diet and includes physical activity that will help reduce the incidence of obesity in America.

Through programs such as the National School Lunch Program and the Women, Infants and Children Program, the USDA has the ability to reach millions of Americans with healthy eating tips.

"USDA is proud to expand our role in this important partnership and will commit the necessary resources to help Americans meet these goals," said Secretary Veneman. "By helping Americans consume a balanced diet and incorporate exercise into their lifestyles, we can address the growing obesity problem in the U.S., especially among children."

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) at the National Institutes of Health - the lead federal agency for the program - and the Produce for Better Health Foundation are also joined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the American Cancer Society, the National Alliance for Nutrition and Activity, the Produce Marketing Association, and the United Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Association.

The first National 5 A Day Partnership meeting under the expanded partnership convenes today in Washington, D.C., to discuss opportunities for working together and to foster collaboration among partners at the state and local level. Also in attendance are 5 A Day coordinators from all 50 states, U.S. territories, and the Department of Defense.

During joint remarks to the group, Secretary Thompson and Secretary Veneman announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between USDA, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and NCI to formalize their expanded collaboration to promote the 5 A Day Program and encourage all Americans to eat five to nine servings of fruits and vegetables a day. The MOU supports the advancement of comprehensive planning at the federal, state and local level, expanded channels for the delivery of evidence-based interventions and improved availability of high quality data related to fruit and vegetable consumption.

"Approximately 70 percent of all adults and children in the U.S. do not eat the recommended five to nine servings of fruits and vegetables a day for good health. And over 60 percent of Americans are still not aware of the need to eat five to nine servings of fruits and vegetables a day," said Lorelei DiSogra, EdD, RD, director of the 5 A Day for Better Health Program at NCI, which is the national health authority for the program. "This partnership is an excellent model of how diverse groups can come together to improve the public's health."

More information on the 5 A Day Program is available at: http://www.5aday.gov/

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