[Greens-Media] MARK PARNELL MLC: Think local, act local to increase fruit and vegetable consumption

[Greens]

 Media Release
 8 September 2006
          

Think local, act local to increase fruit and vegetable consumption


The recent publication of fruit and vegetable consumption data from the
ABS shows that when it comes to eating healthily, South Australia is the
worst performing state in Australia, says Greens MLC Mark Parnell.

The latest National Health Survey (NHS), as conducted by the Australian
Bureau of Statistics (ABS) from August 2004 to June 2005 shows the
percentage consuming the recommended daily intake of five or more serves
of vegetables every day was 12% in SA, less than the corresponding
national level of 14% and the 20% recorded in Tasmania.

Only one half (50%) of the population in SA aged 12 years and over
usually consumed the recommended daily intake of two or more serves of
fruit per day, much lower than the national proportion of 54% and the
lowest result of any State.

"This is a ticking time bomb.  Low fruit and vegetable intake directly
leads to a range of health problems, including obesity and diabetes," Mr
Parnell said.

"The question we should all be asking is: why has South Australia just
over half the recommended vegetable intake of Tasmania?  This is simply
not good enough." 

One of the strategies the State Government should be seriously looking
at is increasing the amount of local, seasonal produce sold and
consumed.

"Many parents say the reason why their kids are turning off eating fresh
and vegetables is because of the taste.  As everyone knows, the tastiest
fruit comes straight off the tree.  We should be trying to get local
produce from farm gate to kid's plates as quickly as possible. 

"Fresh, local fruit and vegetables picked in season taste better, are
more nutritious, and are better for the environment.  Better still, the
more we buy locally, the more money goes into the pockets of South
Australian farmers," he said. 

One of the biggest barriers to buying and consuming local produce, is
that very few stores let consumers know if something has been sourced
locally. 

"Step number one is to get better labelling to help consumers identify
if an orange has come from down the road, or from the other side of the
country or the world. 

"This is about increasing choice.  Where food comes from is important
information that many consumers will use when working out where to spend
their dollars.

"We need to think and act locally to increase the consumption of fruit
and vegies, and we need to start now," Mr Parnell said.


For further comment contact Craig Wilkins on 0434 007 893





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